Role of TGF-β signaling in the regulation of programmed cranial suture fusion

In summary, our data during the past 6 years support a hypothesis that the dura mater in murine models is regionally differentiated, and this patterning promotes posterior frontal suture fusion. TGF-β1 by both protein and mRNA localization is differentially expressed in the fusing PF- versus patent sagittal-associated dura mater. Importantly, Northern blot analysis of PF and sagittal sutures, isolated from their underlying dura mater, showed no differences in TGF-β1 gene expression. In contrast, Northern analysis of isolated PF- or sagittal-associated dura mater showed substantial differences in TGF-β1 gene expression. Taken together, these studies support a hypothesis that TGF-β1 plays a role in programmed PF cranial suture fusion in the mouse and rat.