RNA expression data of embryonic E16.5 mouse temporomandibular joint (TMJ)

We conducted a genetic analysis of the developing temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ), a highly specialized synovial joint that permits movement and function of the mammalian jaw. First, we used laser capture microdissection to perform a genome-wide expression analysis of each of its developing components. The expression patterns of genes identified in this screen were examined in the TMJ and compared to other synovial joints including the shoulder joint and the hip joint. Striking differences were noted, indicating that the TMJ forms via a distinct molecular program. Several components of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway are among the genes identified in the screen, including Gli2, which is expressed specifically in the condyle and in the disk of the developing TMJ. We found that mice deficient in Gli2 display aberrant TMJ development such that the condyle loses its growth plate-like cellular organization and no disk is formed. In addition, we utilized a conditional strategy to remove activity of the Hh co-receptor encoded by Smo from chondrocyte progenitors. This cell autonomous loss of Hh signaling allows for disk formation, but the resulting structure fails to separate from the condyle. Thus, these experiments establish that Hh signaling acts at two distinct steps in disk morphogenesis, condyle initiation and disk-condyle separation, and provide a molecular framework for future studies of the TMJ.

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Purcell P, Joo BW, Hu JK, Tran PV, Calicchio ML, O'Connell DJ, Maas RL, Tabin CJ