A Ser252Trp substitution in mouse FGFR2 results in hyperplasia of embryonic salivary gland parenchyma.

OBJECTIVES

Mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene are responsible for several severe forms of craniosynostotic disorders, such as Apert and Crouzon syndromes. Patients with craniosynostotic disorders caused by a mutation in Fgfr2 present with several clinical symptoms, including hypersalivation. Here we used a transgenic mouse model of Apert syndrome (Fgfr2+/S252W mice) to evaluate the morphology of the submandibular glands at embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5), the time point reported to mark the start of lumen formation.

METHODS

Fgfr2+/S252W mice were generated by crossing ACTB-Cre+/+ and Fgfr2+/Neo-S252W mice. After measuring body weight, the submandibular glands were collected at E15.5. H&E staining, immunostaining, and RT-qPCR were performed to investigate the development of the submandibular gland.

RESULTS

The number of ducts and acini in Fgfr2+/S252W mice was significantly higher than in control littermates; however, lumen formation was not affected. The mRNA expression of Fgf1, Fgfr1, Mmp2, Bmp4, Bmp7, Dusp6, and Etv5 in Fgfr2+/S252W mice was significantly higher compared to control littermates. Immunoreactivity for FGF3, FGF1, BMP4, and F4/80 was detected in the parenchyma of Fgfr2+/S252W mice. The area of apoptotic cells stained with TUNEL in Fgfr2+/S252W mice was significantly larger than that of the control littermates.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggested that increased FGFR1 signaling and apoptosis in the submandibular glands of Fgfr2+/S252W mice occurred at E15.5, leading to parenchymal hyperplasia. This study demonstrated that a Ser252Trp substitution in mouse FGFR2 resulted in hyperplasia of the submandibular gland parenchyma during development.