Migration of Founder Epithelial Cells Drives Proper Molar Tooth Positioning and Morphogenesis

p75 neurotrophin receptor regulates craniofacial growth and morphology in postnatal development

Craniofacial abnormalities are among the most prevalent congenital defects, significantly affecting appearance, function, and quality of life. While the role of genetic mutations in craniofacial malformations is recognized, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigate the role of p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) in craniofacial development by comparing wild-type (p75NTR+/+) mice against p75NTR-deficient (p75NTR-/-) knockout mice. We employed histology, micro-CT surface distance, volumetric analysis, and geometric morphometric analysis to assess craniofacial development and growth. On postnatal day 7 (P7), p75NTR-/- mice exhibited reduced skull length compared to wild-type controls. By P28, micro-CT analysis revealed significant reductions in calvarial bone volume and trabecular bone thickness in p75NTR-/- mice. Geometric morphometric analysis identified significant shape alterations in the nasal, parietal, and occipital regions, with p75NTR-/- mice showing a shortened cranium and tapered nasal bone morphology. These findings highlight the critical role of p75NTR in regulating postnatal craniofacial development. Disruption of p75NTR signaling impairs both the growth and morphological integrity of craniofacial structures, which may contribute to the pathogenesis of congenital craniofacial abnormalities. In the future, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms through which p75NTR mediates craniofacial development may offer valuable insights for future targeted therapeutic strategies for craniofacial defects.

Ectodermal dysplasia: a narrative review of the clinical and biological aspects relevant to oral health

Ectodermal dysplasias (ED) are disorders that affect ectodermal-derived tissues during embryonic development. These disorders occur when the ectoderm, the outermost layer of embryonic tissue does not develop normally. Patients present abnormalities of two or more ectoderm-derived structures and the clinical presentation can vary greatly depending on the type a patient has. The authors compiled and provided their perspective on articles describing the classification, molecular signaling pathways, systemic and dental implications, genetic diagnosis and dental treatment considerations for patients with ED. Emphasis was placed on the main signaling pathways affecting tooth development and the relevant signs that ED patients can present including dental anomalies. Sources included original or review articles written in English that had an ED focus from PubMed and also information available in National Foundation of Ectodermal Dysplasias website. A broad and flexible narrative review is provided regarding ED which represents a diverse array of systemic symptoms that are often present with dental-related issues. The genetic diagnosis of this condition has evolved significantly during the last decade but is still an adjunct to clinical presentation. The treatment of ED involves a multidisciplinary team encompassing primary care physicians, pediatricians, nutritionists, speech therapists, dental professionals, and geneticists. Evidence from the last decade has significantly expanded our understanding of the classification and molecular signaling pathways involved in the etiology of ED. The dental professional is a critical, essential part of the team of healthcare professionals and often the first step involved in providing personalized and humanistic care and better quality of life to the patients affected by this condition.

Ectopic Activation of Fgf8 in Dental Mesenchyme Causes Incisor Agenesis and Molar Microdontia

Putatively, tooth agenesis was attributed to the initiation failure of tooth germs, though little is known about the histological and molecular alterations. To address if constitutively active FGF signaling is associated with tooth agenesis, we activated Fgf8 in dental mesenchyme with Osr-cre knock-in allele in mice (Osr2-creKI; Rosa26R-Fgf8) and found incisor agenesis and molar microdontia. The cell survival assay showed tremendous apoptosis in both the Osr2-creKI; Rosa26R-Fgf8 incisor epithelium and mesenchyme, which initiated incisor regression from cap stage. In situ hybridization displayed vanished Shh transcription, and immunostaining exhibited reduced Runx2 expression and enlarged mesenchymal Lef1 domain in Osr2-creKI; Rosa26R-Fgf8 incisors, both of which were suggested to enhance apoptosis. In contrast, Osr2-creKI; Rosa26R-Fgf8 molar germs displayed mildly suppressed Shh transcription, and the increased expression of Ectodin, Runx2 and Lef1. Although mildly smaller than WT controls prenatally, the Osr2-creKI; Rosa26R-Fgf8 molar germs produced a miniature tooth with impaired mineralization after a 6-week sub-renal culture. Intriguingly, the implanted Osr2-creKI; Rosa26R-Fgf8 molar germs exhibited delayed odontoblast differentiation and accelerated ameloblast maturation. Collectively, the ectopically activated Fgf8 in dental mesenchyme caused incisor agenesis by triggering incisor regression and postnatal molar microdontia. Our findings reported tooth agenesis resulting from the regression from the early bell stage and implicated a correlation between tooth agenesis and microdontia.

Induction of periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stromal cell-like cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells

Introduction

Periodontal disease is a common oral infection which affects the tooth-supportive tissues directly. Considering the limitation of present regenerative treatments for severe periodontal cases, cytotherapies have been gradually introduced. Human periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hPDLMSCs), while identified as one of the promising cell sources for periodontal regenerative therapy, still hold some problems in the clinical application especially their limited life span. To solve the problems, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are taken into consideration as a robust supply for hPDLMSCs.

Methods

The induction of hPDLMSCs was performed based on the generation of neural crest-like cells (NCLCs) from hiPSCs. Fibronectin and laminin were tested as coating materials for NCLCs differentiation when following previous protocol, and the characteristics of induced cells were identified by flow cytometry and RT-qPCR for evaluating the induction efficiency. Subsequently, selected dental ectoderm signaling-related cytokines were applied for hPDLMSCs induction for 14 days, and dental mesenchyme-related genes, dental follicle-related genes and hPDL-related genes were tested by RT-qPCR for the evaluation of differentiation.

Results

Compared to the 58% in laminin-coated condition, fibronectin-coated condition had a higher induction efficiency of CD271high cells as 86% after 8-day induction, while the mesenchymal potential of induced NCLCs was similar between two coating materials.It was shown that the gene expressions of dental mesenchyme, dental follicles and hPDL cells were significantly enhanced with the stimulation of the combination with fibroblast growth factor 8b (FGF8b), FGF2, and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4).

Conclusion

FN coating was more effective in NCLCs induction, and the FGF8b+FGF2+BMP4 growth factor cocktail was effective in hPDLMSC-like cell generation. These findings underscored the likely regenerative potential of hiPSCs as an applicable and promising curative strategy for periodontal diseases.

Adult dental epithelial stem cell-derived organoids deposit hydroxylapatite biomineral

Ameloblasts are specialized cells derived from the dental epithelium that produce enamel, a hierarchically structured tissue comprised of highly elongated hydroxylapatite (OHAp) crystallites. The unique function of the epithelial cells synthesizing crystallites and assembling them in a mechanically robust structure is not fully elucidated yet, partly due to limitations with in vitro experimental models. Herein, we demonstrate the ability to generate mineralizing dental epithelial organoids (DEOs) from adult dental epithelial stem cells (aDESCs) isolated from mouse incisor tissues. DEOs expressed ameloblast markers, could be maintained for more than five months (11 passages) in vitro in media containing modulators of Wnt, Egf, Bmp, Fgf and Notch signaling pathways, and were amenable to cryostorage. When transplanted underneath murine kidney capsules, organoids produced OHAp crystallites similar in composition, size, and shape to mineralized dental tissues, including some enamel-like elongated crystals. DEOs are thus a powerful in vitro model to study mineralization process by dental epithelium, which can pave the way to understanding amelogenesis and developing regenerative therapy of enamel.

Mobility gene expression differences among wild-type, Mmp20 null and Mmp20 over-expresser mice plus visualization of 3D mouse ameloblast directional movement

Enamel forming ameloblasts move away from the dentino-enamel junction and also move relative to each other to establish enamel shape during the secretory stage of enamel development. Matrix metalloproteinase-20 (MMP20) is a tooth specific proteinase essential for proper enamel formation. We previously reported that MMP20 cleaves cadherins and may regulate ameloblast movement. Here, we used an Amelx promoter driven tdTomato reporter to label mouse ameloblasts. With these transgenic mice, we assessed ameloblast mobility group dynamics and gene expression. Three-dimensional imaging of mouse ameloblasts were observed in hemi-mandibles by using a tissue clearing technique. The three-dimensional ameloblast layer in Tg(Amelx-Mmp20) mice that overexpress MMP20 was uneven and the ameloblasts migrated away from this layer. Mouse ameloblast movement toward incisal tips was monitored by ex vivo time-lapse imaging. Gene expression related to cell migration and adhesion was analyzed in ameloblasts from wild-type mice, Mmp20-/- mice with no functional MMP20 and from Tg(Amelx-Mmp20) overexpressing mice. Gene expression was altered in Mmp20-/- and Tg(Amelx-Mmp20) mice compared to wild type. Among the genes assessed, those encoding laminins and a gap junction protein were upregulated in Mmp20-/- mice. New techniques and findings described in this study may lead to an improved understanding of ameloblast movement during enamel formation.

Using Ex Vivo Live Imaging to Investigate Cell Divisions and Movements During Mouse Dental Renewal

The continuously growing mouse incisor is emerging as a highly tractable model system to investigate the regulation of adult epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells and tooth regeneration. These progenitor populations actively divide, move, and differentiate to maintain tissue homeostasis and regenerate lost cells in a responsive manner. However, traditional analyses using fixed tissue sections could not capture the dynamic processes of cellular movements and interactions, limiting our ability to study their regulations. This paper describes a protocol to maintain whole mouse incisors in an explant culture system and live-track dental epithelial cells using multiphoton timelapse microscopy. This technique adds to our existing toolbox for dental research and allows investigators to acquire spatiotemporal information on cell behaviors and organizations in a living tissue. We anticipate that this methodology will help researchers further explore mechanisms that control the dynamic cellular processes taking place during both dental renewal and regeneration.

Mesenchymal condensation in tooth development and regeneration: a focus on translational aspects of organogenesis

The teeth are vertebrate-specific, highly specialized organs performing fundamental functions of mastication and speech, the maintenance of which is crucial for orofacial homeostasis and is further linked to systemic health and human psychosocial well-being. However, with limited ability for self-repair, the teeth can often be impaired by traumatic, inflammatory, and progressive insults, leading to high prevalence of tooth loss and defects worldwide. Regenerative medicine holds the promise to achieve physiological restoration of lost or damaged organs, and in particular an evolving framework of developmental engineering has pioneered functional tooth regeneration by harnessing the odontogenic program. As a key event of tooth morphogenesis, mesenchymal condensation dictates dental tissue formation and patterning through cellular self-organization and signaling interaction with the epithelium, which provides a representative to decipher organogenetic mechanisms and can be leveraged for regenerative purposes. In this review, we summarize how mesenchymal condensation spatiotemporally assembles from dental stem cells (DSCs) and sequentially mediates tooth development. We highlight condensation-mimetic engineering efforts and mechanisms based on ex vivo aggregation of DSCs, which have achieved functionally robust and physiologically relevant tooth regeneration after implantation in animals and in humans. The discussion of this aspect will add to the knowledge of development-inspired tissue engineering strategies and will offer benefits to propel clinical organ regeneration.

Genome-wide identification of potential odontogenic genes involved in the dental epithelium-mesenchymal interaction during early odontogenesis

BACKGROUND

Epithelium-mesenchymal interactions are involved in odontogenic processes. Previous studies have focused on the intracellular signalling regulatory network in tooth development, but the functions of extracellular regulatory molecules have remained unclear. This study aims to explore the gene profile of extracellular proteoglycans and their glycosaminoglycan chains potentially involved in dental epithelium-mesenchymal interactions using high-throughput sequencing to provide new understanding of early odontogenesis.

RESULTS

Whole transcriptome profiles of the mouse dental epithelium and mesenchyme were investigated by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). A total of 1,281 and 1,582 differentially expressed genes were identified between the dental epithelium and mesenchyme at E11.5 and E13.5, respectively. Enrichment analysis showed that extracellular regions and ECM-receptor interactions were significantly enriched at both E11.5 and E13.5. Polymerase chain reaction analysis confirmed that the extracellular proteoglycan family exhibited distinct changes during epithelium-mesenchymal interactions. Most proteoglycans showed higher transcript levels in the dental mesenchyme, whereas only a few were upregulated in the epithelium at both stages. In addition, 9 proteoglycans showed dynamic expression changes between these two tissue compartments. Gpc4, Sdc2, Spock2, Dcn and Lum were expressed at higher levels in the dental epithelium at E11.5, whereas their expression was significantly higher in the dental mesenchyme at E13.5, which coincides with the odontogenic potential shift. Moreover, the glycosaminoglycan biosynthetic enzymes Ext1, Hs3st1/5, Hs6st2/3, Ndst3 and Sulf1 also exhibited early upregulation in the epithelium but showed markedly higher expression in the mesenchyme after the odontogenic potential shift.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals the dynamic expression profile of extracellular proteoglycans and their biosynthetic enzymes during the dental epithelium-mesenchymal interaction. This study offers new insight into the roles of extracellular proteoglycans and their distinct sulfation underlying early odontogenesis.

Tooth number abnormality: from bench to bedside

Tooth number abnormality is one of the most common dental developmental diseases, which includes both tooth agenesis and supernumerary teeth. Tooth development is regulated by numerous developmental signals, such as the well-known Wnt, BMP, FGF, Shh and Eda pathways, which mediate the ongoing complex interactions between epithelium and mesenchyme. Abnormal expression of these crutial signalling during this process may eventually lead to the development of anomalies in tooth number; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this review, we summarized the major process of tooth development, the latest progress of mechanism studies and newly reported clinical investigations of tooth number abnormality. In addition, potential treatment approaches for tooth number abnormality based on developmental biology are also discussed. This review not only provides a reference for the diagnosis and treatment of tooth number abnormality in clinical practice but also facilitates the translation of basic research to the clinical application.

The role of cell geometry and cell-cell communication in gradient sensing

Cells can measure shallow gradients of external signals to initiate and accomplish a migration or a morphogenetic process. Recently, starting from mathematical models like the local-excitation global-inhibition (LEGI) model and with the support of empirical evidence, it has been proposed that cellular communication improves the measurement of an external gradient. However, the mathematical models that have been used have over-simplified geometries (e.g., they are uni-dimensional) or assumptions about cellular communication, which limit the possibility to analyze the gradient sensing ability of more complex cellular systems. Here, we generalize the existing models to study the effects on gradient sensing of cell number, geometry and of long- versus short-range cellular communication in 2D systems representing epithelial tissues. We find that increasing the cell number can be detrimental for gradient sensing when the communication is weak and limited to nearest neighbour cells, while it is beneficial when there is long-range communication. We also find that, with long-range communication, the gradient sensing ability improves for tissues with more disordered geometries; on the other hand, an ordered structure with mostly hexagonal cells is advantageous with nearest neighbour communication. Our results considerably extend the current models of gradient sensing by epithelial tissues, making a step further toward predicting the mechanism of communication and its putative mediator in many biological processes.

Intertwined Signaling Pathways Governing Tooth Development: A Give-and-Take Between Canonical Wnt and Shh

Teeth play essential roles in life. Their development relies on reciprocal interactions between the ectoderm-derived dental epithelium and the underlying neural crest-originated mesenchyme. This odontogenic process serves as a prototype model for the development of ectodermal appendages. In the mouse, developing teeth go through distinct morphological phases that are tightly controlled by epithelial signaling centers. Crucial molecular regulators of odontogenesis include the evolutionarily conserved Wnt, BMP, FGF and sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathways. These signaling modules do not act on their own, but are closely intertwined during tooth development, thereby outlining the path to be taken by specific cell populations including the resident dental stem cells. Recently, pivotal Wnt-Shh interaction and feedback loops have been uncovered during odontogenesis, showing conservation in other developing ectodermal appendages. This review provides an integrated overview of the interplay between canonical Wnt and Shh throughout mouse tooth formation stages, extending from the initiation of dental placode to the fully formed adult tooth.

The conundrum of pharyngeal teeth origin: the role of germ layers, pouches, and gill slits

There are several competing hypotheses on tooth origins, with discussions eventually settling in favour of an 'outside-in' scenario, in which internal odontodes (teeth) derived from external odontodes (skin denticles) in jawless vertebrates. The evolution of oral teeth from skin denticles can be intuitively understood from their location at the mouth entrance. However, the basal condition for jawed vertebrates is arguably to possess teeth distributed throughout the oropharynx (i.e. oral and pharyngeal teeth). As skin denticle development requires the presence of ectoderm-derived epithelium and of mesenchyme, it remains to be answered how odontode-forming skin epithelium, or its competence, were 'transferred' deep into the endoderm-covered oropharynx. The 'modified outside-in' hypothesis for tooth origins proposed that this transfer was accomplished through displacement of odontogenic epithelium, that is ectoderm, not only through the mouth, but also via any opening (e.g. gill slits) that connects the ectoderm to the epithelial lining of the pharynx (endoderm). This review explores from an evolutionary and from a developmental perspective whether ectoderm plays a role in (pharyngeal) tooth and denticle formation. Historic and recent studies on tooth development show that the odontogenic epithelium (enamel organ) of oral or pharyngeal teeth can be of ectodermal, endodermal, or of mixed ecto-endodermal origin. Comprehensive data are, however, only available for a few taxa. Interestingly, in these taxa, the enamel organ always develops from the basal layer of a stratified epithelium that is at least bilayered. In zebrafish, a miniaturised teleost that only retains pharyngeal teeth, an epithelial surface layer with ectoderm-like characters is required to initiate the formation of an enamel organ from the basal, endodermal epithelium. In urodele amphibians, the bilayered epithelium is endodermal, but the surface layer acquires ectodermal characters, here termed 'epidermalised endoderm'. Furthermore, ectoderm-endoderm contacts at pouch-cleft boundaries (i.e. the prospective gill slits) are important for pharyngeal tooth initiation, even if the influx of ectoderm via these routes is limited. A balance between sonic hedgehog and retinoic acid signalling could operate to assign tooth-initiating competence to the endoderm at the level of any particular pouch. In summary, three characters are identified as being required for pharyngeal tooth formation: (i) pouch-cleft contact, (ii) a stratified epithelium, of which (iii) the apical layer adopts ectodermal features. These characters delimit the area in which teeth can form, yet cannot alone explain the distribution of teeth over the different pharyngeal arches. The review concludes with a hypothetical evolutionary scenario regarding the persisting influence of ectoderm on pharyngeal tooth formation. Studies on basal osteichthyans with less-specialised types of early embryonic development will provide a crucial test for the potential role of ectoderm in pharyngeal tooth formation and for the 'modified outside-in' hypothesis of tooth origins.

Early perturbation of Wnt signaling reveals patterning and invagination-evagination control points in molar tooth development

Tooth formation requires complex signaling interactions both within the oral epithelium and between the epithelium and the underlying mesenchyme. Previous studies of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway have shown that tooth formation is partly inhibited in loss-of-function mutants, and gain-of-function mutants have perturbed tooth morphology. However, the stage at which Wnt signaling is first important in tooth formation remains unclear. Here, using an Fgf8-promoter-driven, and therefore early, deletion of β-catenin in mouse molar epithelium, we found that loss of Wnt/β-catenin signaling completely deletes the molar tooth, demonstrating that this pathway is central to the earliest stages of tooth formation. Early expression of a dominant-active β-catenin protein also perturbs tooth formation, producing a large domed evagination at early stages and supernumerary teeth later on. The early evaginations are associated with premature mesenchymal condensation marker, and are reduced by inhibition of condensation-associated collagen synthesis. We propose that invagination versus evagination morphogenesis is regulated by the relative timing of epithelial versus mesenchymal cell convergence regulated by canonical Wnt signaling. Together, these studies reveal new aspects of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in tooth formation and in epithelial morphogenesis more broadly.

The initiation knot is a signaling center required for molar tooth development

Signaling centers, or organizers, regulate many aspects of embryonic morphogenesis. In the mammalian molar tooth, reiterative signaling in specialized centers called enamel knots (EKs) determines tooth patterning. Preceding the primary EK, transient epithelial thickening appears, the significance of which remains debated. Using tissue confocal fluorescence imaging with laser ablation experiments, we show that this transient thickening is an earlier signaling center, the molar initiation knot (IK), that is required for the progression of tooth development. IK cell dynamics demonstrate the hallmarks of a signaling center: cell cycle exit, condensation and eventual silencing through apoptosis. IK initiation and maturation are defined by the juxtaposition of cells with high Wnt activity to Shh-expressing non-proliferating cells, the combination of which drives the growth of the tooth bud, leading to the formation of the primary EK as an independent cell cluster. Overall, the whole development of the tooth, from initiation to patterning, is driven by the iterative use of signaling centers.

Summary: During tooth morphogenesis, transient thickening of the epithelium in the diastema anterior to the first developing molar is an early signaling center, the molar initiation knot (IK), which is required for the progression of mammalian molar tooth development.

Timing of Mouse Molar Formation Is Independent of Jaw Length Including Retromolar Space

For humans and other mammals to eat effectively, teeth must develop properly inside the jaw. Deciphering craniodental integration is central to explaining the timely formation of permanent molars, including third molars which are often impacted in humans, and to clarifying how teeth and jaws fit, function and evolve together. A factor long-posited to influence molar onset time is the jaw space available for each molar organ to form within. Here, we tested whether each successive molar initiates only after a minimum threshold of space is created via jaw growth. We used synchrotron-based micro-CT scanning to assess developing molars in situ within jaws of C57BL/6J mice aged E10 to P32, encompassing molar onset to emergence. We compared total jaw, retromolar and molar lengths, and molar onset times, between upper and lower jaws. Initiation time and developmental duration were comparable between molar upper and lower counterparts despite shorter, slower-growing retromolar space in the upper jaw, and despite size differences between upper and lower molars. Timing of molar formation appears unmoved by jaw length including space. Conditions within the dental lamina likely influence molar onset much more than surrounding jaw tissues. We theorize that molar initiation is contingent on sufficient surface area for the physical reorganization of dental epithelium and its invagination of underlying mesenchyme.

Functional characterization of ATF1, GREM2 AND WNT10B variants associated with tooth agenesis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the functional effects of ATF1, WNT10B and GREM2 gene variants identified in individuals with tooth agenesis (TA).

SETTINGS AND SAMPLE POPULATION

Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) were used as an in vitro model system to test the effect of TA-associated variants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plasmid constructs containing reference and mutant alleles for ATF1 rs11169552, WNT10B rs833843 and GREM2 rs1414655 variants were transfected into SHED for functional characterization of variants. Allele-specific changes in gene transcription activity, protein expression, cell migration and proliferation, and expression of additional tooth development genes (MSX1, PAX9 and AXIN2) were evaluated. Data analyses were performed using Student's t-test. P-values ≤ .05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Mutant variants resulted in significantly decreased transcriptional activity of respective genes (P < 0.05), although no changes in protein localization were noted. Expression of MSX1 was significantly decreased in ATF1- and GREM2-mutant cells, whereas PAX9 or AXIN2 mRNA expression was not significantly altered. Mutant WNT10B had no significant effect on the expression of additional TA genes. ATF1- and GREM2-mutant cells presented increased cell migration. Cell proliferation was also affected with all three mutant alleles.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that ATF1, WNT10B and GREM2 mutant alleles have modulatory effects on gene/protein function that may contribute to TA.

Exploiting teeth as a model to study basic features of signaling pathways

Teeth constitute a classical model for the study of signaling pathways and their roles in mediating interactions between cells and tissues in organ development, homeostasis and regeneration. Rodent teeth are mostly used as experimental models. Rodent molars have proved fundamental in the study of epithelial–mesenchymal interactions and embryonic organ morphogenesis, as well as to faithfully model human diseases affecting dental tissues. The continuously growing rodent incisor is an excellent tool for the investigation of the mechanisms regulating stem cells dynamics in homeostasis and regeneration. In this review, we discuss the use of teeth as a model to investigate signaling pathways, providing an overview of the many unique experimental approaches offered by this organ. We discuss how complex networks of signaling pathways modulate the various aspects of tooth biology, and the models used to obtain this knowledge. Finally, we introduce new experimental approaches that allow the study of more complex interactions, such as the crosstalk between dental tissues, innervation and vascularization.

A genotype:phenotype approach to testing taxonomic hypotheses in hominids

Paleontology has long relied on assumptions about the genetic and developmental influences on skeletal variation. The last few decades of developmental genetics have elucidated the genetic pathways involved in making teeth and patterning the dentition. Quantitative genetic analyses have refined this genotype:phenotype map even more, especially for primates. We now have the ability to define dental traits with a fair degree of fidelity to the underlying genetic architecture; for example, the molar module component (MMC) and the premolar-molar module (PMM) that have been defined through quantitative genetic analyses. We leverage an extensive dataset of extant and extinct hominoid dental variation to explore how these two genetically patterned phenotypes have evolved through time. We assess MMC and PMM to test the hypothesis that these two traits reveal a more biologically informed taxonomy at the genus and species levels than do more traditional measurements. Our results indicate that MMC values for hominids fall into two categories and that Homo is derived compared with earlier taxa. We find a more variable, species-level pattern for PMM. These results, in combination with previous research, demonstrate that MMC reflects the phenotypic output of a more evolutionarily stable, or phylogenetically congruent, genetic mechanism, and PMM is a reflection of a more evolutionarily labile mechanism. These results suggest that the human lineage since the split with chimpanzees may not represent as much genus-level variation as has been inferred from traits whose etiologies are not understood.

Live Tissue Imaging Sheds Light on Cell Level Events During Ectodermal Organ Development

Embryonic development of ectodermal organs involves a very dynamic range of cellular events and, therefore, requires advanced techniques to visualize them. Ectodermal organogenesis proceeds in well-defined sequential stages mediated by tissue interactions. Different ectodermal organs feature shared morphological characteristics, which are regulated by conserved and reiterative signaling pathways. A wealth of genetic information on the expression patterns and interactions of specific signaling pathways has accumulated over the years. However, the conventional developmental biology methods have mainly relied on two-dimensional tissue histological analyses at fixed time points limiting the possibilities to follow the processes in real time on a single cell resolution. This has complicated the interpretation of cause and effect relationships and mechanisms of the successive events. Whole-mount tissue live imaging approaches are now revealing how reshaping of the epithelial sheet for the initial placodal thickening, budding morphogenesis and beyond, involve coordinated four dimensional changes in cell shapes, well-orchestrated cell movements and specific cell proliferation and apoptosis patterns. It is becoming evident that the interpretation of the reiterative morphogenic signals takes place dynamically at the cellular level. Depending on the context, location, and timing they drive different cell fate choices and cellular interactions regulating a pattern of behaviors that ultimately defines organ shapes and sizes. Here we review how new tissue models, advances in 3D and live tissue imaging techniques have brought new understanding on the cell level behaviors that contribute to the highly dynamic stages of morphogenesis in teeth, hair and related ectodermal organs during development, and in dysplasia contexts.

Multiple epithelia are required to develop teeth deep inside the pharynx

To explain the evolutionary origin of vertebrate teeth from odontodes, it has been proposed that competent epithelium spread into the oropharyngeal cavity via the mouth and other possible channels such as the gill slits [Huysseune et al., 2009, J. Anat. 214, 465-476]. Whether tooth formation deep inside the pharynx in extant vertebrates continues to require external epithelia has not been addressed so far. Using zebrafish we have previously demonstrated that cells derived from the periderm penetrate the oropharyngeal cavity via the mouth and via the endodermal pouches and connect to periderm-like cells that subsequently cover the entire endoderm-derived pharyngeal epithelium [Rosa et al., 2019, Sci. Rep. 9, 10082]. We now provide conclusive evidence that the epithelial component of pharyngeal teeth in zebrafish (the enamel organ) is derived from medial endoderm, as hitherto assumed based on position deep in the pharynx. Yet, dental morphogenesis starts only after the corresponding endodermal pouch (pouch 6) has made contact with the skin ectoderm, and only after periderm-like cells have covered the prospective tooth-forming endodermal epithelium. Manipulation of signaling pathways shown to adversely affect tooth development indicates they act downstream of these events. We demonstrate that pouch-ectoderm contact and the presence of a periderm-like layer are both required, but not sufficient, for tooth initiation in the pharynx. We conclude that the earliest interactions to generate pharyngeal teeth encompass those between different epithelial populations (skin ectoderm, endoderm, and periderm-like cells in zebrafish), in addition to the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions that govern the formation of all vertebrate teeth.

Tooth Regeneration: Insights from Tooth Development and Spatial-Temporal Control of Bioactive Drug Release

Tooth defect and tooth loss are common clinical diseases in stomatology. Compared with the traditional oral restoration treatment, tooth regeneration has unique advantages and is currently the focus of oral biomedical research. It is known that dozens of cytokines/growth factors and other bioactive factors are expressed in a spatial-temporal pattern during tooth development. On the other hand, the technology for spatial-temporal control of drug release has been intensively studied and well developed recently, making control release of these bioactive factors mimicking spatial-temporal pattern more feasible than ever for the purpose of tooth regeneration. This article reviews the research progress on the tooth development and discusses the future of tooth regeneration in the context of spatial-temporal release of developmental factors.

Molecular and cellular mechanisms of tooth development, homeostasis and repair

The tooth provides an excellent system for deciphering the molecular mechanisms of organogenesis, and has thus been of longstanding interest to developmental and stem cell biologists studying embryonic morphogenesis and adult tissue renewal. In recent years, analyses of molecular signaling networks, together with new insights into cellular heterogeneity, have greatly improved our knowledge of the dynamic epithelial-mesenchymal interactions that take place during tooth development and homeostasis. Here, we review recent progress in the field of mammalian tooth morphogenesis and also discuss the mechanisms regulating stem cell-based dental tissue homeostasis, regeneration and repair. These exciting findings help to lay a foundation that will ultimately enable the application of fundamental research discoveries toward therapies to improve oral health.

Downregulation of FGF Signaling by Spry4 Overexpression Leads to Shape Impairment, Enamel Irregularities, and Delayed Signaling Center Formation in the Mouse Molar

FGF signaling plays a critical role in tooth development, and mutations in modulators of this pathway produce a number of striking phenotypes. However, many aspects of the role of the FGF pathway in regulating the morphological features and the mineral quality of the dentition remain unknown. Here, we used transgenic mice overexpressing the FGF negative feedback regulator Sprouty4 under the epithelial keratin 14 promoter (K14‐Spry4) to achieve downregulation of signaling in the epithelium. This led to highly penetrant defects affecting both cusp morphology and the enamel layer. We characterized the phenotype of erupted molars, identified a developmental delay in K14‐Spry4 transgenic embryos, and linked this with changes in the tooth developmental sequence. These data further delineate the role of FGF signaling in the development of the dentition and implicate the pathway in the regulation of tooth mineralization. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus is published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Tissue Mechanical Forces and Evolutionary Developmental Changes Act Through Space and Time to Shape Tooth Morphology and Function

Efforts from diverse disciplines, including evolutionary studies and biomechanical experiments, have yielded new insights into the genetic, signaling, and mechanical control of tooth formation and functions. Evidence from fossils and non-model organisms has revealed that a common set of genes underlie tooth-forming potential of epithelia, and changes in signaling environments subsequently result in specialized dentitions, maintenance of dental stem cells, and other phenotypic adaptations. In addition to chemical signaling, tissue forces generated through epithelial contraction, differential growth, and skeletal constraints act in parallel to shape the tooth throughout development. Here recent advances in understanding dental development from these studies are reviewed and important gaps that can be filled through continued application of evolutionary and biomechanical approaches are discussed.

Bones, Glands, Ears and More: The Multiple Roles of FGF10 in Craniofacial Development

Members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family have myriad functions during development of both non-vertebrate and vertebrate organisms. One of these family members, FGF10, is largely expressed in mesenchymal tissues and is essential for postnatal life because of its critical role in development of the craniofacial complex, as well as in lung branching. Here, we review the function of FGF10 in morphogenesis of craniofacial organs. Genetic mouse models have demonstrated that the dysregulation or absence of FGF10 function affects the process of palate closure, and FGF10 is also required for development of salivary and lacrimal glands, the inner ear, eye lids, tongue taste papillae, teeth, and skull bones. Importantly, mutations within the FGF10 locus have been described in connection with craniofacial malformations in humans. A detailed understanding of craniofacial defects caused by dysregulation of FGF10 and the precise mechanisms that underlie them offers new opportunities for development of medical treatments for patients with birth defects and for regenerative approaches for cancer patients with damaged gland tissues.

Bioengineered Tooth Buds Exhibit Features of Natural Tooth Buds

Tooth loss is a significant health issue currently affecting millions of people worldwide. Artificial dental implants, the current gold standard tooth replacement therapy, do not exhibit many properties of natural teeth and can be associated with complications leading to implant failure. Here we propose bioengineered tooth buds as a superior alternative tooth replacement therapy. We describe improved methods to create highly cellularized bioengineered tooth bud constructs that formed hallmark features that resemble natural tooth buds such as the dental epithelial stem cell niche, enamel knot signaling centers, transient amplifying cells, and mineralized dental tissue formation. These constructs were composed of postnatal dental cells encapsulated within a hydrogel material that were implanted subcutaneously into immunocompromised rats. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing the use of postnatal dental cells to create bioengineered tooth buds that exhibit evidence of these features of natural tooth development. We propose future bioengineered tooth buds as a promising, clinically relevant tooth replacement therapy.

Proteome response of dental pulp cells to exogenous FGF8

FGF8 specifies early tooth development by directing the migration of the early tooth founder cells to the site of tooth emergence. To date the effect of the FGF8 in adult dental pulp has not been studied. We have assessed the regenerative potential of FGF8 by evaluating changes in the proteome landscape of dental pulp following short- and long-term exposure to recombinant FGF8 protein. In addition, we carried out qRT PCR analysis to determine extracellular/adhesion gene marker expression and assessed cell proliferation and mineralization in response to FGF8 treatment. 2D and mass spectrometry data showed differential expression of proteins implicated in cytoskeleton/ECM remodeling and migration, cell proliferation and odontogenic differentiation as evidenced by the upregulation of gelsolin, moesin, LMNA, WDR1, PLOD2, COPS5 and downregulation of P4HB. qRT PCR showed downregulation of proteins involved in cell-matrix adhesion such as ADAMTS8, LAMB3 and ANOS1 and increased expression of the angiogenesis marker PECAM1. We have observed that, FGF8 treatment was able to boost dental pulp cell proliferation and to enhance dental pulp mineralization. Collectively, our data suggest that, FGF8 treatment could promote endogenous healing of the dental pulp via recruitment of dental pulp progenitors as well as by promoting their angiogenic and odontogenic differentiation.

SIGNIFICANCE

Dental pulp cells (DP) have been studied extensively for the purposes of mineralized tissue repair, particularly for the reconstruction of hard and soft tissue maxillofacial defects. Canonical FGF signaling has been implicated throughout multiple stages of tooth development by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, survival as well as cellular migration. FGF8 expression is indispensible for normal tooth development and particularly for the migration of early tooth progenitors to the sites of tooth emergence. The present study provides proteome and qRT PCR data with regard to the future application and biological relevance of FGF8 in dental regenerative medicine.

AUTHORS WITH ORCID

Rozaliya Tsikandelova - 0000-0003-0178-3767 Zornitsa Mihaylova - 0000-0003-1748-4489 Sébastien Planchon - 0000-0002-0455-0574 Nikolay Ishkitiev - 0000-0002-4351-5579.

The Role of Fibroblast Growth Factors in Tooth Development and Incisor Renewal

The mineralized tissue of the tooth is composed of enamel, dentin, cementum, and alveolar bone; enamel is a calcified tissue with no living cells that originates from oral ectoderm, while the three other tissues derive from the cranial neural crest. The fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are critical during the tooth development. Accumulating evidence has shown that the formation of dental tissues, that is, enamel, dentin, and supporting alveolar bone, as well as the development and homeostasis of the stem cells in the continuously growing mouse incisor is mediated by multiple FGF family members. This review discusses the role of FGF signaling in these mineralized tissues, trying to separate its different functions and highlighting the crosstalk between FGFs and other signaling pathways.

Watching a deep dive: Live imaging provides lessons about tooth invagination

Invagination of epithelium into the surrounding mesenchyme is a critical step that marks the developmental onset of many ectodermal organs. In this issue, Ahtiainen et al. (2016. J. Cell. Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb.201512074) use the mouse incisor as a model to advance our understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying ectodermal organ morphogenesis.

Epithelial cell behaviours during neurosensory organ formation

Perception of the environment in vertebrates relies on a variety of neurosensory mini-organs. These organs develop via a multi-step process that includes placode induction, cell differentiation, patterning and innervation. Ultimately, cells derived from one or more different tissues assemble to form a specific mini-organ that exhibits a particular structure and function. The initial building blocks of these organs are epithelial cells that undergo rearrangements and interact with neighbouring tissues, such as neural crest-derived mesenchymal cells and sensory neurons, to construct a functional sensory organ. In recent years, advances in in vivo imaging methods have allowed direct observation of these epithelial cells, showing that they can be displaced within the epithelium itself via several modes. This Review focuses on the diversity of epithelial cell behaviours that are involved in the formation of small neurosensory organs, using the examples of dental placodes, hair follicles, taste buds, lung neuroendocrine cells and zebrafish lateral line neuromasts to highlight both well-established and newly described modes of epithelial cell motility.

From snapshots to movies: Understanding early tooth development in four dimensions

The developing tooth offers a model for the study of ectodermal appendage organogenesis. The signaling networks that regulate tooth development have been intensively investigated, but how cell biological responses to signaling pathways regulate dental morphogenesis remains an open question. The increasing use of ex vivo imaging techniques has enabled live tracking of cell behaviors over time in high resolution. While recent studies using these techniques have improved our understanding of tooth morphogenesis, important gaps remain that require additional investigation. In addition, some discrepancies have arisen between recent studies, and resolving these will advance our knowledge of tooth development. Developmental Dynamics 246:442-450, 2016. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.