Developing a Novel and Convenient Model for Investigating Sweat Gland Morphogenesis from Epidermal Stem Cells

Figure 4

Detection of key soluble morphogens in the system of sweat gland morphogenesis and the impact of BMP receptor inhibitor and EGF receptor inhibitor on sweat gland development in vitro. BMP4 and EGF demonstrated sharped difference in the medium of the sweat gland organogenesis system. BMP receptor inhibitor could block the formation of sweat gland in this system, while EGF receptor inhibitor significantly reduced the expression of K18. (a) The variation tendency of BMP4 and EGF in the medium of system. The error bar meant the standard error of BMP4 and EGF concentrations in different systems at different time points. (b) The impact of BMP receptor inhibitor and EFG receptor inhibitor on sweat gland morphogenesis. In comparison with the control group, EGF receptor inhibitor significantly reduced the expression of K18, but glandular structure was still observed. BMP receptor inhibitor completely blocks the expression of K18, and no glandular structure was observed. All the nuclei were counterstained with DAPI (DAPI: blue; K18: red;  μm and 50 μm; K18: cytokeratin 18; IM: light microscope; H&E: hematoxylin-eosin staining; IF: immunofluorescence staining).

(a)

(b)