Gas1 regulates embryonic tongue muscle proliferation, differentiation and maturation via alternative pathways to Hedgehog signaling.

ABSTRACT: Hedgehog (HH) signaling supports tongue and taste organ development. While the tongue is highly muscular, the role of HH signaling in muscle growth remains poorly understood. We recently showed the expression of HH receptor Gas1 in postnatal lingual muscle. To understand the role of Gas1 in the embryonic tongue, we first examined its expression using Gas1lacZ mouse and GAS1 immunostaining. Our results reveal parallel gene and protein expression in epithelial taste buds, stroma and muscles. We assessed Gas1 constitutive and muscle-specific conditional (E12.5-E18.5) gene deletion effects at E18.5. Constitutive Gas1 deletion disrupts myoblast count, cell proliferation, differentiation, maturation and motor structures, and differentially affects the size and number of intrinsic tongue muscles.

SUBMITTER: Audu GC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12539211 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature