BMP Signaling in Regulating Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Incisor Homeostasis

Abstract

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling performs multiple essential functions during craniofacial development. In this study, we used the adult mouse incisor as a model to uncover how BMP signaling maintains tissue homeostasis and regulates mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) fate by mediating WNT and FGF signaling. We observed a severe defect in the proximal region of the adult mouse incisor after loss of BMP signaling in the Gli1+ cell lineage, indicating that BMP signaling is required for cell proliferation and odontoblast differentiation. Our study demonstrates that BMP signaling serves as a key regulator that antagonizes WNT and FGF signaling to regulate MSC lineage commitment. In addition, BMP signaling in the Gli1+ cell lineage is also required for the maintenance of quiescent MSCs, suggesting that BMP signaling not only is important for odontoblast differentiation but also plays a crucial role in providing feedback to the MSC population. This study highlights multiple important roles of BMP signaling in regulating tissue homeostasis.