Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a novel class of transcripts, which are pervasively transcribed in the genome and a have greatly unknown biological function. Previous studies have identified that lncRNAs serve an important role in embryonic development. However, the function and mechanism of lncRNAs in the development of palate remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of lncRNA H19 in cleft palate (CP) development in mice. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a well-known teratogen that can induce CP. After establishing a CP mouse model by oral administration of TCDD in vivo, no significant differences were detected in the tail length and body weight of fetuses between the TCDD-treated and control groups during the embryonic days 12 to 17. Furthermore, the expression levels of lncRNA H19 and target gene insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) presented specific embryo age-associated differences during the entire development of CP in mice. An inverse correlation was identified between lncRNA H19 and IGF2 expression levels in the CP model. In conclusion, these findings revealed that lncRNA H19 mediated the CP induced by TCDD in mice.