Perivascular Hedgehog responsive cells play a critical role in peripheral nerve regeneration via controlling angiogenesis.

Hh signaling has been shown to be activated in intact and injured peripheral nerve. However, the role of Hh signaling in peripheral nerve is not fully understood. In the present study, we observed that Hh signaling responsive cells [Gli1(+) cells] in both the perineurium and endoneurium.

Expression of R-spondins/Lgrs in development of movable craniofacial organs.

Wnt signaling plays a critical role in the development of many organs, including the major movable craniofacial organs tongue, lip, and eyelid. Four members of the R-spondin family (Rspo1-4) bind to Lgr4/5/6 to regulate the activation of Wnt signaling. However, it is not fully understood how Rspos/Lgrs regulate Wnt signaling during the development of movable craniofacial organs.

MicroRNAs regulate distal region of mandibular development through Hh signaling.

Mandibular anomalies are often seen in various congenital diseases, indicating that mandibular development is under strict molecular control. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in mandibular development. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding small single-stranded RNAs that play a critical role in regulating the level of gene expression.

Overactivation of the NF-κB pathway impairs molar enamel formation.

Objective: Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a hereditary disorder characterized by abnormal structures and functions of the ectoderm-derived organs, including teeth. HED patients exhibit a variety of dental symptoms, such as hypodontia. Although disruption of the EDA/EDAR/EDARADD/NF-κB pathway is known to be responsible for HED, it remains unclear whether this pathway is involved in the process of enamel formation.

Gli3 is a Key Factor in the Schwann Cells from Both Intact and Injured Peripheral Nerves.

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been shown to be involved in regulating both intact and injured peripheral nerves. Therefore, it is critical to understand how Hh signaling is regulated in the peripheral nerve. One of the transcription factors of the Hh signaling pathway, Gli3, functions as both a repressor and an activator of Hh signaling activity.

Molecular mechanisms in palatal rugae development.

Background: Periodic patterning of iterative structures is diverse across the animal kingdom. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of these structures helps to elucidate the genetic commonality of developmental processes, as organs with these structures are believed to share the same molecular mechanisms and fundamental processes. Palatal rugae are periodic corrugated structures on the hard palate and are conserved in all mammals.

Ift88 is involved in mandibular development.

The mandible is a crucial organ in both clinical and biological fields due to the high frequency of congenital anomalies and the significant morphological changes during evolution. Primary cilia play a critical role in many biological processes, including the determination of left/right axis patterning, the regulation of signaling pathways, and the formation of bone and cartilage. Perturbations in the function of primary cilia are known to cause a wide spectrum of human diseases: the ciliopathies.

MicroRNAs control eyelid development through regulating Wnt signaling.

Background: The timing, location, and level of gene expression are crucial for normal organ development, because morphogenesis requires strict genetic control. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are noncoding small single-stranded RNAs that play a critical role in regulating gene expression level. Although miRNAs are known to be involved in many biological events, the role of miRNAs in organogenesis is not fully understood.

Genes Show Spatiotemporal Expression during Murine Tongue and Eyelid Development.

The tongue is a critical organ, involved in functions such as speaking, swallowing, mastication, and degustation. Although genes are known to play critical roles in many biological processes, including organogenesis, the expression of the family members during tongue development remains unclear. We therefore performed a comparative hybridization analysis of 17 genes ( and ) during murine tongue development.