Epiregulin (EPR) Reduces Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) Receptor Expression In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) Cell Lines

Study Design: In this investigation, activation of caspase-7 was examined in the alveolar bone and osteogenic molecular networks were evaluated in the caspase-7 deficient mice. Results: Methods of immunohistochemistry were applied to follow the activation pattern, PCRArray to evaluate ostegenic gene expression and microCT to analyse the bone phenotype. In the knock-out mice, decreased alveolar bone volume was found in the adults and decreased mRNA levels for Msx1 and Smad1 in early bone formation. Conclusions: The results point to caspase-7 as a new participant in alveolar bone formation. Such molecules with dual roles (apoptosis/differentiation) appear attractive also for regenerative medicine. Support: GACR P302/12/J059, CAS M200451201