The role of rudimentary structures in odontogenesis.

In vivo organogenesis is based on the temporal-spatial developmental processes that depend on cell behaviour, for example on their growth, migration, differentiation and intercellular interactions. Such behaviour is regulated by appropriate transient expression of various signalling molecules. Despite the significant advances in therapeutic strategies, the secret of the development of the biological replacement of a damaged or missing tooth has not yet been revealed. In this context, animal models provide a powerful tool for studying tooth normogenesis and pathogenesis in both basic and applied research. Early development of the tooth shares similar morphological and molecular features with other ectodermal organs. At the same time, these features are largely preserved also between species, which is advantageous for the use of model organisms. The dental formula of both: the human and the mouse are reduced against a common ancestor, but both groups of organisms evince simple as well as multicusped teeth. In both, structures called rudimentary were found. These structures are suppressed during ontogenetic development and generally they are not attributed to essential functions. That is why we aimed to study dental rudiments in detail and reveal their function in odontogenesis. This work presents new..