Lhx6 regulates canonical Wnt signaling to control the fate of mesenchymal progenitor cells during mouse molar root patterning

In this study, we find that Lhx6 labels a subpopulation of root progenitor cells in the apical dental mesenchyme, which is closely associated with furcation development. Loss of Lhx6 leads to furcation and root number defects, indicating that Lhx6 is a key root patterning regulator. Among the multiple cellular events regulated by Lhx6 is the odontoblast fate commitment of progenitor cells, which it controls in a cell-autonomous manner. Specifically,Lhx6 loss leads to elevated expression of the Wnt antagonistSfrp2 and down-regulation of Wnt signaling in the furcation region, while overactivation of Wnt signaling in Lhx6+ progenitor cells partially restore the furcation defects inLhx6-/- mice. Collectively, our findings have important implications for understanding organ morphogenesis and future strategies for tooth root regeneration.

Source: PLoS Genetics - February 17, 2021 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Jinzhi He Source Type: research