The role of sonic hedgehog signaling in the oropharyngeal epithelium during jaw development.

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is expressed in the oropharyngeal epithelium, including the frontonasal ectodermal zone (FEZ), which is defined as the boundary between Shh and Fgf8 expression domains in the frontonasal epithelium. To investigate the role of SHH signaling from the oropharyngeal epithelium, we generated mice in which Shh expression is specifically deleted in the oropharyngeal epithelium (Isl1-Cre; Shh). In the mutant mouse, Shh expression was excised in the oropharyngeal epithelium as well as FEZ and ventral forebrain, consistent with the expression pattern of Isl1.

Expression and Localization of Adiponectin in Myoepithelial Cells in Sublingual Glands of Normal and Diabetic Rats.

Objectives: Adiponectin is a hormone produced by adipocytes with anti-atherosclerotic and anti-diabetic properties. We previously discovered that adiponectin is specifically localized in the myoepithelial cells of rat sublingual glands. This study aims to investigate the localization of adiponectin and its receptors, AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, in adult rats, postnatally developing rats, and diabetic model rats.

Pharmacological Inhibition of the Spliceosome SF3b Complex by Pladienolide-B Elicits Craniofacial Developmental Defects in Mouse and Zebrafish.

Background: Mutations in genes encoding spliceosome components result in craniofacial structural defects in humans, referred to as spliceosomopathies. The SF3b complex is a crucial unit of the spliceosome, but model organisms generated through genetic modification of the complex do not perfectly mimic the phenotype of spliceosomopathies. Since the phenotypes are suggested to be determined by the extent of spliceosome dysfunction, an alternative experimental system that can seamlessly control SF3b function is needed.