Tooth development is a multi-stage process that is regulated by complex molecular events and the minipig is a good model for tooth development research. However, the expression patterns of homeobox genes during tooth development of the minipig are still unclear. In this work, we utilized the Chinese experimental minipig as a model to examine expression patterns of homeobox genes in different teeth of the minipig embryo at E40. Laser capture microdissection was used to collect teeth samples for tissue sections. We partially cloned and sequenced homeobox genes Barx1, Msx1, Dlx1, Pax9, Pitx2 and developmental marker gene Bmp4. Real-time PCR was used to analyze expression patterns of these genes in different teeth. The results showed that Msx1, Pitx2 and Bmp4 were relatively highly expressed in the third premolar during the cap stage, while Barx1, Dlx1 and Pax9 were relatively highly expressed in the fourth premolar during the early bell stage.

Key words: Tooth development, homeobox genes, minipig embryo.