Abstract Archives

IADR Abstract Archives

Spatiotemporal Regulation of Mandibular Neuromusculoskeletal Integration

Objectives: Our research seeks to identify developmental mechanisms that control and synchronize where and when embryonic stem cells differentiate into appropriate structures such as bone, cartilage, muscle, and nerve. Our main focus is to understand how the functional integration of these structures is achieved on a cellular and molecular level. This study compares the morphogenesis of the trigeminal nerves within the jaw apparatus in normal quail and duck embryos as a foundation for subsequent analyses of the morphological transformations that occur after transplants of premigratory mandibular neural crest cells from quail to duck embryos.

Methods: Fertilized eggs of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and white Pekin duck (Anas platyrhynchos) were incubated at 37°C. Embryos were collected over the period when neural precursor cells migrate into the jaw region and individual elements undergo morphogenesis (embryonic stage (HH) 30 [3]). To study neural development, we performed whole-mount immunohistochemistry using neurofilament antibody 3A10. The stained sections were digitally captured using a Leica microscope at 5x and Axiovision software. The three dimensional (3D) model was then reconstructed using WinSurf software.

Results: Two species-specific differences became apparent. First, the trigeminal ganglion of the duck was relatively larger than that of the quail and secondly, the mandibular branch of the quail trigeminal exhibited a marked bifurcation that was not present in the duck.

Conclusions: Analysis of cranial nerve development in stage-matched duck and quail embryos revealed distinct morphologies of the trigeminal ganglion and its three branches that arise at precise developmental stages. By creating digital 3D reconstructions to analyze the disparities between normal duck and quail, we have created a reference series that will allow for a greater understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable neuromusculoskeletal integration of the mandible.

Support: NIH/NIDCR/COHORT Training Grant No. T32/DE07306-09 to N.S. and NIDCR R03 DE014795-01to R.A.S.


Division: AADR/CADR Annual Meeting
Meeting: 2006 AADR/CADR Annual Meeting (Orlando, Florida)
Location: Orlando, Florida
Year: 2006
Final Presentation ID: 1224
Abstract Category|Abstract Category(s): Craniofacial Biology
Authors
  • Sint, Noel Shanti  ( University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA )
  • Mitgutsch, Christian  ( University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA )
  • Au, Katie M.  ( Oberlin College, Oberlin, OH, USA )
  • Kaplan, Angelo  ( University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA )
  • Staudinger, Johanna  ( University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA )
  • Eames, Brian E.  ( University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA )
  • Schneider, Richard A.  ( University of California - San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA )
    • SESSION INFORMATION
    Poster Session
    Development Biology of the Craniofacial Skeleton
    03/10/2006