Localization of the HOXC homeobox gene family during palate formation in mice

摘要

Homeobox genes play important roles in craniofacial morphogenesis. In this study, we examined the immunolocalization pattern of HOXC, one of transcription factors, to clarify its role in murine palate formation. At early stage of palate formation, Hoxc5 immunoreactivity was observed mainly in mesenchymal cells of the palatal shelves. When shelves were in a horizontal position, some epithelial cells of shelves showed Hoxc5 labeling, while almost mesenchymal cells showed no labeling. After the fusion at the midline, intense staining for Hoxc5 was observed in the cells of epithelial seam and triangles. With progressing palate formation, Hoxc5 was detected in the middle layer of oral epithelium. These findings suggest that Hoxc5 participates in palate formation. HOXC might be an important homeobox gene in palatogenesis.