Figure 3
(taken from the red boxed regions in panels (A,C)) show mutants have alterations in both outer and inner enamel prisms structure (red arrowheads). (E,F) μCT 3D renderings of the occlusal surface of all three lower molars to assess morphological defects. Mutants display a significant reduction in the 1st–3rd molar field length (compare green and red bars in F: WT vs. mutant overall molar field length). Additionally, an ectopic distal 4th molar is observed in a fraction of Smoc2 mutants (F, green arrowhead). (G,H) μCT-derived mid-sagittal virtual sectioning indicates thinner alveolar bone in Smoc2−/− mutant (H, yellow arrowhead) vs. WT (G, yellow arrowhead). (I,K) Standard histology (areas corresponding to those indicated by orange boxes in G,H) shows Smoc2−/− mutants have reduced alveolar ossification (yellow arrowheads). (J,L) SEM analysis (region comparable to the blue-boxed region in G,H) shows reduced enamel crystal compaction, with irregular alignments in Smoc2−/− mutant (blue arrowheads).
Dental alterations in Smoc2−/− mutant mice. Seven week-old WT (A) and Smoc2−/− mutant (C) lower incisors, the latter exhibiting slight size reductions. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) views of WT (B) and Smoc2−/− (D) incisors.
