ΔNp63 is upregulated during salivary gland regeneration following duct ligation and irradiation in mice.

The transcription factor p63, a component of the p53 family, has important functions in development, homeostasis, and regeneration of epithelial tissues. However, the role of p63 in the regeneration of exocrine glands, including the salivary glands (SGs), has not been fully investigated. We investigated p63 expression in SG regeneration induced by duct ligation and irradiation. The expression of ΔNp63, a p63 isoform, increased and was colocalized with keratin 5 positive cells were myoepithelial cells. Furthermore, ΔNp63 expression was regulated by FGF7 stimulation via p38 MAPK phosphorylation and affected SG morphogenesis. These results suggest that ΔNp63 is essential for SG regeneration and may be a new target for regenerative treatment.