TGF-β signaling in the cranial neural crest affects late-stage mandibular bone resorption and length

Malocclusions are common craniofacial malformations that cause quality of life and health problems if left untreated. Unfortunately, the current treatment for severe skeletal malocclusion is invasive surgery. Developing improved therapeutic options requires a deeper understanding of the cellular mechanisms responsible for determining jaw bone length. We have recently shown that neural crest mesenchyme (NCM) can alter jaw length by controlling the recruitment and function of mesoderm-derived...