Immunohistochemical Localization of YAP and TAZ in Mouse Submandibular Gland Morphogenesis

Hippo signaling determine organ size by regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell differentiation. Yes-associated protein(YAP)and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif(TAZ)are important transcriptional coactivators downstream of Hippo signaling. Salivary glands, the same as teeth, lungs, kidneys, etc., develop through epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, and are formed through repeated branching, which is common in glandular tissues. We examined the expression of YAP and TAZ proteins in the submandibular glands of mouse embryos using immunohistochemical staining to investigate the involvement of these proteins in the development of the submandibular glands ICR mouse embryos at days E14, E16 and E18. The localization of YAP and TAZ was similar during the submandibular glands development. YAP and TAZ proteins were expressed in the branch-forming epithelium from E14. E18 showed localization in the ductal epithelium and little expression in the acinar cells. These results suggest that YAP and TAZ proteins are involved in the development of the submandibular gland in embryonic mice, contributing to branching, cell proliferation, and duct formation.