TGF-ß1 attenuated branching morphogenesis of embryonic murine submandibular gland through Smad3 activation.

Transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) plays several crucial regulatory roles in multiple physiological and pathological processes. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of TGF-ß1 in branching morphogenesis of salivary gland. We harvested and cultured submandibular salivary glands (SMGs) from murine embryos, which were then treated with exogenous TGF-ß1, or its neutralized antibody, Smad3 inhibitor, or Smad3 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Our results suggested that TGF-ß1 attenuated branching morphogenesis of embryonic murine SMG via Smad3 activation, thus playing a negative regulatory role in salivary gland development.