Loading…

Retinoic acid signaling regulates Krt5 and Krt14 independently of stem cell markers in submandibular salivary gland epithelium

Background: Retinoic acid (RA), the active metabolite of vitamin A, has been demonstrated to be important for growth and branching morphogenesis of mammalian embryonic salivary gland epithelium. However, it is not known whether RA functions directly within epithelial cells or in associated tissues t...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Developmental dynamics 2017-02, Vol.246 (2), p.135-147
Main Authors: Abashev, Timur M., Metzler, Melissa A., Wright, Diana M., Sandell, Lisa L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Background: Retinoic acid (RA), the active metabolite of vitamin A, has been demonstrated to be important for growth and branching morphogenesis of mammalian embryonic salivary gland epithelium. However, it is not known whether RA functions directly within epithelial cells or in associated tissues that influence morphogenesis of salivary epithelium. Moreover, downstream targets of RA regulation have not been identified. Results: Here, we show that canonical RA signaling occurs in multiple tissues of embryonic mouse salivary glands, including epithelium, associated parasympathetic ganglion neurons, and nonneuronal mesenchyme. By culturing epithelium explants in isolation from other tissues, we demonstrate that RA influences epithelium morphogenesis by direct action in that tissue. Moreover, we demonstrate that inhibition of RA signaling represses cell proliferation and expression of FGF10 signaling targets, and upregulates expression of basal epithelial keratins Krt5 and Krt14. Importantly, we show that the stem cell gene Kit is regulated inversely from Krt5/Krt14 by RA signaling. Conclusions: RA regulates Krt5 and Krt14 expression independently of stem cell character in developing salivary epithelium. RA, or chemical inhibitors of RA signaling, could potentially be used for modulating growth and differentiation of epithelial stem cells for the purpose of re‐populating damaged glands or generating bioengineered organs. Developmental Dynamics 246:135–147, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Key Findings Retinoic Acid regulates salivary epithelium development directly. Retinoid Acid negatively regulates Krt5 gene expression in salivary epithelium. Retinoic Acid regulates step cell markers independently of Krt5 and Krt14 in developing salivary epithelium.
ISSN:1058-8388
1097-0177
DOI:10.1002/dvdy.24476