Expression of genes involved in palatal shelf adhesion and fusion.

In situ hybridization for Tgfβ3, Jagged2 and fibronectin (Fn). (A) The expression of Tgfβ3 at E14.5 is similar in both Bmp7^wt/wt and Bmp7^Δ/Δ embryos and limited to the presumptive medial edge epithelium. Expression of Fn is evident in the medial edge epithelium of the palatal shelves in Bmp7^wt/wt embryos, but absent from corresponding regions of the Bmp7^Δ/Δ palatal shelves at the same developmental stage. (B) In the Bmp7^Δ/Δ embryos expression of Tgfβ3 at the medial edge epithelium of the palatal shelves is still strong at E15.5 and starts disappearing at E16.5. In the Bmp7^Δ/Δ embryos a specific down-regulation of Jagged2 expression at the presumptive MEE is noted at stages E15.5 and E16.5. Scale bar: 100 μm.