Augmentation of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in cranial neural crest cells in mice deforms skull base due to premature fusion of intersphenoidal synchondrosis

Craniofacial anomalies (CFAs) are a diverse group of disorders affecting the shapes of the face and the head. Malformation of the cranial base in humans leads CFAs, such as midfacial hypoplasia and craniosynostosis. These patients have significant burdens associated with breathing, speaking, and chewing. Invasive surgical intervention is the current primary option to correct these structural deficiencies. Understanding molecular cellular mechanism for craniofacial development would provide novel therapeutic options for CFAs. In this study, we found that enhanced bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in cranial neural crest cells (NCCs) (P0-Cre;caBmpr1a mice) causes premature fusion of intersphenoid synchondrosis (ISS) resulting in leading to short snouts and hypertelorism. Histological analyses revealed reduction of proliferation and higher cell death in ISS at postnatal day 3. We demonstrated to prevent the premature fusion of ISS in P0-Cre;caBmpr1a mice by injecting a p53 inhibitor Pifithrin-α to the pregnant mother from E15.5 to E18.5, resulting in rescue from short snouts and hypertelorism. We further demonstrated to prevent premature fusion of cranial sutures in P0-Cre;caBmpr1a mice by injecting Pifithrin-α through E8.5 to E18.5. These results suggested that enhanced BMP-p53-induced cell death in cranial NCCs causes premature fusion of ISS and sutures in time-dependent manner.