BMP signaling orchestrates a transcriptional network to control the fate of mesenchymal stem cells in mice

• DOI: 10.1242/dev.150136
• Publication Date: 2017-06-03T00:20:20Z
• Authors: Jifan Feng; Junjun Jing; Jingyuan Li; Hu Zhao; Vasu Punj; Tingwei Zhang; Jian Xu; Yang Chai
• Keywords: KLF4; Cell fate determination; GLI1; Mesenchyme; RUNX2

Signaling pathways are used reiteratively in different developmental processes yet produce distinct cell fates through specific downstream transcription factors. In this study, we tooth root development as a model with which to investigate how the BMP signaling pathway regulates transcriptional complexes direct fate determination of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). We first identified MSC population supporting mouse molar growth Gli1+ cells. Using Gli1-driven Cre-mediated recombination system, our results provide vivo evidence that activity is required for odontogenic differentiation MSCs. Specifically, factors Pax9, Klf4, Satb2 and Lhx8 being expressed spatially restricted pattern potentially involved determining cellular identities within dental mesenchyme. Finally, found overactivation one key factor, associated region, promotes Collectively, demonstrate functional significance regulating during shed light on can achieve specificity diverse organ development.