The contribution of specific cell subpopulations to submandibular salivary gland branching morphogenesis

Curr Opin Genet Dev. 2015 Jun:32:47-54. doi: 10.1016/j.gde.2015.01.007. Epub 2015 Feb 20.

Abstract

Branching morphogenesis is the developmental program responsible for generating a large surface to volume ratio in many secretory and absorptive organs. To accomplish branching morphogenesis, spatiotemporal regulation of specific cell subpopulations is required. Here, we review recent studies that define the contributions of distinct cell subpopulations to specific cellular processes during branching morphogenesis in the mammalian submandibular salivary gland, including the initiation of the gland, the coordination of cleft formation, and the contribution of stem/progenitor cells to morphogenesis. In conclusion, we provide an overview of technological advances that have opened opportunities to further probe the contributions of specific cell subpopulations and to define the integration of events required for branching morphogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Developmental Biology / methods
  • Developmental Biology / trends*
  • Mammals / embryology*
  • Mesoderm / cytology
  • Mesoderm / embryology*
  • Models, Biological*
  • Morphogenesis / physiology*
  • Submandibular Gland / cytology
  • Submandibular Gland / embryology*