Expressions of Yes-associated Protein and Transcriptional Co-Activator with PDZ-binding Motif during the Development of Mandibular First Molar in BALB/c Mice

: We aimed to detect the expressions of Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in different development stages of mandibular first molar and incisor in BALB/c mice, and to un cover the action mechanisms of YAP and TAZ during tooth development. BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, i.e. 19.5-d-old embryo, and 0-, 6-, 14- and 28-d-old mice (n=8). To detect the expression changes of YAP and TAZ during tooth development, the mandibular tissues of first molar and incisor were collected and subjected to HE staining and SABC immunohistochemical staining. YAP expression was observed in the molar gem of 19.5-d-old embryo, which increased gradually in mice on 0, 6, 14 and 28 d after birth. TAZ was expressed in granule shape in the molar germ and tooth of 19.5-d-old embryo and 0-d-old mice. Expression of TAZ was observed on 6, 14 and 28 d after birth, which was the low-est on 6 d after birth and rose on 14 and 28 d. YAP and TAZ are specifically expressed and localized during the development of mandibular first molars of mice, probably being involved in ameloblast and odontoblast differentiation and dentin calcifi -cation.