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Figure 2. Dmp1 lacZ expression pattern during early development. (A) Dmp1 expression in skeletogenesis. Dmp1 lacZ heterozygous embryos (E15.5), newborn, and day 7 pups were selected for the tracking of Dmp1 expression during early skeletal development. (B) Dmp1 expression pattern in tooth. Sections of incisor (left, newborn) and an adjacent area between the dentin and the cement (middle, newborn), and a 2nd molar subjected to in situ hybridization (right, lacZ probe) are shown. Note that lacZ staining, which reflects endogenous Dmp1 expression, is detected in all mineralized tissues mainly in the nucleus, due to the addition of a nuclear localization signal peptide. LacZ staining (green) is seen in hypertrophic chondrocytes (HC), osteoblasts (Ob), and osteocytes (Ocy), as well as in cementoblasts (Cb), pulp cells, and odontoblasts (Od). Dmp1 lacZ signals are also detected in ameloblasts (Am) by in situ hybridization. There is no X-Gal staining in brain tissue. AB, alveolar bone.
