Gene Expression Patterns During Palatal Shelf Fusion

The study on gene expression patterns during palatal shelf fusion identified several genes potentially involved in normal palatogenesis using large-scale microarray analysis. Specifically, the study found that Hox-7A, a gene important in cleft lip and palate formation, was upregulated during palatal fusion. Additionally, retinoic acid responsive genes such as Stra6 and the homeobox gene Lim-1 were also upregulated. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that LIM-1 expression was maximal at the lateral wall and tip of the palate epithelia during early secondary palate formation and regressed with epithelial to mesenchymal transition as the palates fused. These findings provided valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying normal palatal fusion and could serve as a resource for further research into cleft palate formation.