Analysis of Zfhx1a mutant mice reveals palatal shelf contact-independent medial edge epithelial differentiation during palate fusion.

ABSTRACT: Cleft palate is a common birth defect that involves disruptions in multiple developmental steps such as growth, differentiation, elevation, and fusion. Medial edge epithelial (MEE) differentiation is essential for palate fusion. An important question is whether the MEE differentiation that occurs during fusion is induced by palate shelf contact or is programmed intrinsically by the palate shelf itself. Here, we report that the loss of Zfhx1a function in mice leads to a cleft palate phenotype that is mainly attributable to a delay in palate elevation. Zfhx1a encodes a transcription regulatory protein that modulates several signaling pathways including those activated by members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily. Loss of Zfhx1a function in mice leads to a complete

SUBMITTER: Jin JZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2516965 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature