Molecular mechanisms in palatal rugae development.

BACKGROUND: Periodic patterning of iterative structures is diverse across the animal kingdom. Clarifying the molecular mechanisms involved in the formation of these structures helps to elucidate the genetic commonality of developmental processes, as organs with these structures are believed to share the same molecular mechanisms and fundamental processes. Palatal rugae are periodic corrugated structures on the hard palate and are conserved in all mammals. Although the numbers and patterns of the palatal rugae are species specific, they are consistent in each mammalian species, except humans. HIGHLIGHT: Palatal rugae development is thus under strict genetic control in most mammals and is an excellent model to investigate the genetic commonality of developmental processes to form periodic patterning.
CONCLUSION: This review highlights the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of palatal rugae development.