Figure 6.

Molecular control of early palate development. (A) Schematic diagram showing the mRNA expression of Fgfr2b, Fgf10, and Fgf7 in the E13 mouse palate. Fgfr2b was expressed in the oral epithelium and at a low level in the mesenchyme in the bend area between the cranial base and palatal shelf. Fgf10 and Fgf7 were also expressed at this site. In addition, Fgf10 was mainly expressed in the mesenchyme on the oral side of the developing palate and Fgf7 on the nasal aspect. In the mesenchyme adjacent to the MEE, Fgf10 and Fgf7 expression domains overlapped. “Groove” indicates the anterior-posterior groove between the palatal process and the body of the maxilla. (B) Schematic diagram illustrating the proposed Fgf10/Fgfr2b epithelial-mesenchymal interactions and possible downstream signaling in the developing palate.