USC researchers identify alternate pathway that leads to palate d...(alate such as drugs smoking and alcohol ...)
alate, such as drugs, smoking and alcohol," Chai says.
Smad4 is one of the main signaling molecules used in the TGF- pathway during palate and tooth development. Chai says his team had initially hypothesized that since irregularities in the TGF- gene or its cell surface receptors sparked palate malformation in experimental mouse models, knocking out the Smad4 genes would do the same.
"We found that if we blocked TGF- or the receptors, a cleft palate develops," he says, "But when Smad4 was blocked, normal palate epithelium still covered the palatal shelf.
The team found that p38 MAPK (mitogen activated protein kinase) can take Smad4's place in the pathway and signal DNA expression to form the palate. Normally serving as a stress-response protein and activated by environmental insults, such as ultraviolet radiation on skin cells, p38 MAPK appears to act as a "spare tire" when Smad4 function is compromised, Chai says. When either one or the other is inactivated, the palate epithelium will still form properly, failing to form only if both signaling molecules are knocked out.
P38 MAPK isn't a perfect replacement for Smad4 during oral development when Smad4 is nonfunctional, teeth only partially form but the results are still surprising for a molecule better known for its roles during cancer, Chai says.
Further study could have big implications not only on congenital oral birth defects like cleft palate but also on malformations and diseases in tissues throughout the body, and patients could one day be able to take advantage of new genetic counseling and treatment methods stemming from this information, he hopes.
For new parents this latest development offers hope for the future. Those individuals with a family risk of either cleft lip or cleft palate can seek counseling early on and identify craniofacial teams that will assist them in following the best treatment plans for their child.
In addition, the di
'/>"/>
| Contact: Angelica Urquijo urquijo@usc.edu 213-740-6568 University of Southern California Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Researchers block damage to fetal brain following maternal alcohol consumption
2. In scientific first, Einstein researchers correct decline in organ function associated with old age
3. Researchers find cancer-inhibiting compound under the sea
4. UT Health Science Center researchers study diet and autism
5. UGA researchers win $9.2 million stem cell grant from NIH
6. Broad Institute researchers introduce next generation tool for visualizing genomic data
7. Spanish researchers discover significant leatherback turtle nesting beaches in the Caribbean
8. ORNL researchers analyze material with colossal ionic conductivity
9. UNH researchers tag first-ever free-swimming leatherback turtles in New England
10. FSU, Magnet Lab researchers license critical petroleum data
11. Caltech researchers find dual-use sexual attraction and population-control chemicals in nematodes
| Copyright © 2003-2009 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |