Abstract
TGF-beta signaling is known to function during tooth formation. The authors' study investigated the role of TGF-beta signaling during tooth root development and determined how the common mediator for TGF-beta signaling, Smad4, affected root formation in mice. Smod4 was specifically inactivated in all epidermal-derived tissues by using a two-component genetic system. The authors' findings show that when Smad4 expression is eliminated in the dental epithelium, there is lack of root formation and severe crown defects.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Enamel Organ
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
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Male
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Mice
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Mice, Knockout
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Mice, Transgenic
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NFI Transcription Factors / biosynthesis
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NFI Transcription Factors / genetics
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NFI Transcription Factors / metabolism
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Odontogenesis / genetics*
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Signal Transduction
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Smad4 Protein / genetics*
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Smad4 Protein / physiology
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Tooth Root / embryology*
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Tooth Root / growth & development*
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Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology*
Substances
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NFI Transcription Factors
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Nfic protein, mouse
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Smad4 Protein
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Smad4 protein, mouse
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Transforming Growth Factor beta