It is known from paleontology studies that two premolars have been lost during mouse evolution. During mouse mandible development, two bud-like structures transiently form that may represent rudimentary precursors of the lost premolars. However, the interpretation of these structures and their significance for mouse molar development are highly controversial because of a lack of molecular data. Here, we searched for typical tooth signaling centers in these two bud-like structures, and followed their fate using molecular markers, 3D reconstructions, and lineage tracing in vitro. Transient signaling centers were indeed found to be located at the tips of both the anterior and posterior rudimentary buds. These centers expressed a similar set of molecular markers as the "primary enamel knot" (pEK), the signaling center of the first molar (M1). These two transient signaling centers were sequentially patterned before and anterior to the M1 pEK. We also determined the dynamics of the M1 pEK, which, slightly later during development, spread up to the field formerly occupied by the posterior transient signaling center. It can be concluded that two rudimentary tooth buds initiate the sequential development of the mouse molars and these have previously been mistaken for early stages of M1 development. Although neither rudiment progresses to form an adult tooth, the posterior one merges with the adjacent M1, which may explain the anterior enlargement of the M1 during mouse family evolution. This study highlights how rudiments of lost structures can stay integrated and participate in morphogenesis of functional organs and help in understanding their evolution, as Darwin suspected long ago.

• MeSH
• Models, Biological MeSH
• Time Factors MeSH
• Microscopy, Fluorescence methods   MeSH
• In Situ Hybridization MeSH
• Mandible embryology   growth & development   metabolism   MeSH
• Molar embryology   growth & development   MeSH
• Mice, Inbred C57BL MeSH
• Mice, Transgenic MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Odontogenesis * MeSH
• Hedgehog Proteins genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Tissue Culture Techniques MeSH
• Green Fluorescent Proteins genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Imaging, Three-Dimensional methods   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Male MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Hedgehog Proteins MeSH
• Shh protein, mouse MeSH Browser
• Green Fluorescent Proteins MeSH