Molecular characterization of the genital organizer: Gene expression profile of the mouse urethral plate epithelium (GUDMAP Series ID: 51)

Lower urinary tract malformations are among the most common congenital anomalies in humans. The urethral plate epithelium is an endodermal signaling region that plays an essential role in external genital development; however, little is known about the molecular identity of this cell population or the genes that regulate its activity. We aim to characterize differences in gene expression between the urethral plate epithelium and surrounding mouse genital tubercles during a crucial developmental period. E12.5 transgenic embryos (Shhtm1(EGFP/cre)Cjt / Gt(ROSA)26Sortm3(CAG-EYFP)Hze) were harvested and the genital tubercle dissected from them. Shh expressing urethral epithelial cells were isolated from non-Shh expressing cells of the genital tubercle cells using FACS sorting techniques.下尿路畸形是人类最常见的先天性异常之一。尿道板上皮（urethral plate epithelium）作为内胚层信号区域，在外生殖器发育过程中发挥不可或缺的作用；然而，目前学界对这一细胞群的分子特征及其活性调控基因的认知仍较为匮乏。本研究旨在明确关键发育时期内，尿道板上皮与小鼠周围生殖结节（genital tubercle）之间的基因表达差异。实验中，我们收集了胚胎发育第12.5天（E12.5）的转基因胚胎（基因型为Shhtm1(EGFP/cre)Cjt / Gt(ROSA)26Sortm3(CAG-EYFP)Hze），并从中分离出生殖结节。随后通过荧光激活细胞分选（FACS）技术，从生殖结节的细胞群中分离得到表达Shh的尿道上皮细胞与非表达Shh的细胞。