Abstract: Objective:?To verify the distribution of Gli1+ cells in maxillary palatal suture, and to explore the role of Gli1+cells in osteogenesis induced by maxillary expansion, so as to provide experimental data to support the orthodontic treatment of skeletal malocclusion. Methods:?Gli1-LacZ transgenic mice were established to detect the distribution of Gli1+ cells in mid-palatal suture with or without maxillary expansion, HE and Masson staining were applied to evaluate the effect of maxillary expansion. In addition, immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the spatial relationship between Gli1+cells and the osteogenic marker Runx2 during maxillary expansion procedure. Results:?Gli1-Lacz transgenic mice were successfully established and heterozygotes and mutants were used in the following experiments. Compared to the non-expansion group, the palatal suture of the maxillary expansion group was significantly widened, with increase of bone formation and the expression of osteogenic marker Runx2. Moreover, Gli1+ cells increased in maxillary expansion group and colocalized with the Runx2 expression. Conclusions:?Gli1+ cells in maxillary palatal suture participate in osteogenesis induced by maxillary expansion.

Key words: Gli1+ cells, maxillary expansion, osteogenesis