EGF相关信号通路可靶向调节颌下腺发育。我们前期研究发现在炎症过程中，多种长链非编码RNA（long noncoding RNA, lncRNA）可能参与了EGF相关信号通路；因此，我们考虑可能存在部分lncRNA参与配合EGF相关信号通路调控颌下腺的发育。本研究首先采用RNAseq的方法确定在颌下腺发育过程中，参与EGF相关信号通路的lncRNA；并采用颌下腺体外器官培养的方法，通过AAV2装载的质粒和siRNA上调/下调靶lncRNA的表达，检测颌下腺发育相关的蛋白、细胞因子及颌下腺分支化形态发生的能力进而研究靶lncRNA对颌下腺发育的影响；最终通过RNA pull-down技术检测靶lncRNA的下游蛋白从而明确其参与EGF相关信号通路影响颌下腺发育的具体机制。为解开颌下腺发育的关键问题、组织工程颌下腺治疗颌下腺功能缺失提供依据。

EGF related signal pathways could targetly regulate submandibular gland development. Our previous researches have found that multiple long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) might be involved in this pathway during inflammation. So, we consider that there might also be some lncRNAs that acted in the EGF related pathway to regulate submandibular gland development. In this research, we first use RNA sequencing to screen any EGF related lncRNAs in submandibular development; and via in vitro organ culture, we'll up/down-regulate the targeted lncRNA in submandibular gland and assess the alterations of relevant proteins, cytokins and ability of branching morphogenesis, in order to reveal the ability of the targeted lncRNA in submandibular gland development. Finally, we'll detect the down stream proteins of the targeted lncRNA via RNA pull-down to detect the exact mechanisms that the targeted lncRNA invovled in EGF signal pathways to regulate submandibular gland development. Our research might provide information to solve the problems in submandibular gland development and help with tissue engeering submandibular gland transplantation for submandibular dysfuntion patients.