Conclusions
Epithelial Wnt ligands activate mesenchymal Wnt/β-catenin signaling to control eyelid growth and their expression is partially regulated by p63.
Methods
Wnt/β-catenin signaling was disrupted by deleting supraorbital mesenchymal β-catenin or epithelial Wls. p63 was removed to determine whether the expression of Wnts is affected. The eyelid morphology was examined at different stages. Proliferation, apoptosis, and expression of Wnt ligands and their target genes were analyzed via immunofluorescence staining, TUNEL assay, and in situ hybridization.
Purpose
To investigate the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in mouse eyelid development.
Results
Deletion of β-catenin in supraorbital mesenchyme abolishes eyelid growth by causing decreased proliferation in supraorbital epithelium and underlying mesenchyme. Inhibition of Wnt secretion by deleting Wls in supraorbital epithelium results in failure of eyelid development, similar to the effects of deleting mesenchymal β-catenin. Knockout of p63 results in formation of hypoplastic eyelids and reduced expression of several Wnt ligands in eyelid epithelium. Conclusions: Epithelial Wnt ligands activate mesenchymal Wnt/β-catenin signaling to control eyelid growth and their expression is partially regulated by p63.