Circumvallate papilla (CVP) is a distinctively structured with dome-shaped apex, and the surrounding trench which contains over two hundred taste buds on the lateral walls. Although CVP was extensively studied to determine the regulatory mechanisms during organogenesis, it still remains to be elucidated the principle mechanisms of signaling regulations on morphogenesis including taste buds formation. The key role of Yes-associated protein (YAP) in the regulation of organ size and cell proliferation in vertebrates is well understood, but little is known about the role of this signaling pathway in CVP development. We aimed to determine the putative roles of YAP signaling in the epithelial patterning during CVP morphogenesis. To evaluate the precise localization patterns of YAP and other related signaling molecules, including β-catenin, Ki67, cytokeratins, and PGP9.5, in CVP tissue, histology and immunohistochemistry were employed at E16 and adult mice. Our results suggested that there are specific localization patterns of YAP and Wnt signaling molecules in developing and adult CVP. These concrete localization patterns would provide putative involvements of YAP and Wnt signaling for proper epithelial cell differentiation including the formation and maintenance of taste buds.

圆周乳头（CVP）结构独特，顶端呈圆顶状，周围的沟槽侧壁上含有两百多个味蕾。尽管CVP被广泛研究以确定器官发生过程中的调节机制，但其对形态发生（包括味蕾形成）的信号调节的主要机制仍有待阐明。Yes 相关蛋白 (YAP) 在脊椎动物器官大小和细胞增殖调节中的关键作用已广为人知，但对该信号通路在 CVP 发育中的作用知之甚少。我们的目的是确定 YAP 信号在 CVP 形态发生过程中上皮模式中的假定作用。评估 YAP 和其他相关信号分子（包括 β-catenin、Ki67、E16 和成年小鼠采用组织学和免疫组织化学方法检测 CVP 组织中的细胞角蛋白和 PGP9.5。我们的结果表明，YAP 和 Wnt 信号分子在发育中和成年 CVP 中存在特定的定位模式。这些具体的定位模式将为正确的上皮细胞分化（包括味蕾的形成和维持）提供 YAP 和 Wnt 信号传导的推定参与。