Alk8 is Reiteratively Expressed in Developing Mouse Teeth

Alk8 is a novel, type I TGFb family member receptor, first identified in zebrafish. We have previously reported that Alk8 is expressed in developing zebrafish teeth. We have also demonstrated that Alk8 is expressed in developing mouse teeth at discrete stages, although a thorough analysis was not completed at that time. Objectives: The objective of this research is to provide a detailed analysis of Alk8 expression in developing mouse teeth. Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis was used to examine Alk8 expression in paraffin sectioned developing embryonic day 10-18 mouse teeth. Results: Alk8 is expressed in distinct tissues, in discrete expression patterns in developing mouse teeth. Conclusions: We conclude that Alk8 exhibits conserved expression in developing mouse and zebrafish teeth. The expression patterns of Alk8 suggest that Alk8 may play a role in directing the growth of specific tooth tissues during development, perhaps influencing the size and shape of developing molar and incisor teeth. Supported by NIDCR Grant DE-12076.