Regulation of mandible morphology and functional homeostasis by Meckel's cartilage

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1006-7795.2025.06.002

Journal of Capital Medical University

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Regulation of mandible morphology and functional homeostasis by Meckel's cartilage

Zhang Ran^1,2, Shen Zongshan^1,3, Xu Tianyi², Wang Songling^1*

1.Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China；2.Department of Oral Pathology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Beijing 100081, China；3.Department of Periodontology, Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510095, China

Received:2025-09-11 Revised:2025-09-21 Online:2025-12-19 Published:2025-12-19
Supported by:
This study was supported by National Key Research and Development Program（2022YFA1104401），National Natural Science Foundation of China（82030031,92149301,81991504）,Beijing Municipality Government Grant (Beijing Laboratory of Oral Health）（PXM2021-014226-000041），Beijing Municipality Government Grant (Beijing Scholar Program）（PXM2021-014226-000020），Innovation Research Team Project of Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University（CXTD202201），Chinese Research Unit of Tooth Development and Regeneration, Academy of Medical Sciences （2019-12M-5-031）.

Abstract

Abstract: As the core cartilaginous structure of the first pharyngeal arch (mandibular arch), Meckel's cartilage (MC) has evolved from a traditional temporary scaffold to an active regulatory center in mandible development. This review aims to summarize the morphological characteristics, biological functions, molecular regulatory mechanisms, and differentiation fate of MC in mandibular bone development. Morphologically, MC exhibits dynamic spatiotemporal changes and species differences. Functionally, it serves as a signaling hub involved in regulating mandibular shape formation and patterning. Our previous studies have revealed that MC, demarcated by the incisor tooth, has endochondral ossification potential in the anterior segment and mainly participates in intramembranous ossification in the middle and posterior segments. Additionally, its morphology and mechanical environment are crucial for the development of adjacent muscles, tendons, and joints. In the later stages of development, most of MC undergoes programmed regression and transforms into adult structures such as the auditory ossicles, yet the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In conclusion, MC is a dynamic, multifunctional master regulator in mandible development and evolution. Going beyond its passive role as a morphological template, it play a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis during craniofacial morphogenesis and functional development.

Key words: Meckel’s cartilage, mandible development, homeostatic medicine, signaling pathways, morphogenesis, developmental biology

CLC Number:

Zhang Ran, Shen Zongshan, Xu Tianyi, Wang Songling. Regulation of mandible morphology and functional homeostasis by Meckel's cartilage[J]. Journal of Capital Medical University, doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-7795.2025.06.002.

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Regulation of mandible morphology and functional homeostasis by Meckel's cartilage

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