Revitalizing mouse diphyodontic dentition formation by inhibiting the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway

Background Tooth regeneration depends on the longevity of the dental epithelial lamina. However, the exact mechanism of dental lamina regression has not yet been clarified. To explore the role of the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway in regression process of the rudimentary successional dental lamina (RSDL) in mice, we orally administered a single dose of a Shh signaling pathway inhibitor to pregnant mice between embryonic day 13.0 (E13.0) and E17.0. Results We observed that the Shh signaling pathway inhibitor effectively inhibited the expression of Shh signaling pathway components and revitalized RSDL during E15.0-17.0 by promoting cell proliferation. In addition, mRNA-seq, RT-qPCR, and immunohistochemical analyses indicated that diphyodontic dentition formation might be related to FGF signal upregulation and the Sostdc1-Wnt negative feedback loop. Conclusion Overall, our results indicated that the Shh signaling pathway may play an initial role in preventing further development of mouse RSDL in a time-dependent manner. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.