Wnt Lrp4 Knockout Mice Show Supernumerary Teeth and Fused Molars

Abstract

Several signaling mechanisms, notably the Wnt/β-catenin signaling system and its modulators, control tooth development. Lrp4 is recognized as one of these modulators that inhibits the pathway. In the absence of Lrp4, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is hyperactive, and in Lrp4-deficient mice, this leads to dental abnormalities like supernumerary teeth and fused molars. In this study, we use Wnt Lrp4flox/flox knockout mice to show these effects. The knockout mice were examined for supernumerary teeth, fused molars and alterations in tooth size. This demonstrates the consequences of Lrp4 deficiency on mouse tooth formation.