The BMP family member Gdf7 is required for seminal vesicle growth, branching morphogenesis, and cytodifferentiation

Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions play an important role in the developme nt of many different organs and tissues. The secretory glands of the male r eproductive system, including the prostate and seminal vesicles, are derive d from epithelial precursors. Signals from the underlying mesenchyme are re quired for normal growth, branching, and differentiation of the seminal ves icle epithelium. Here, we show that a member of the BMP family, Gdf7, is re quired for normal seminal vesicle development. Expression and tissue recomb ination experiments suggest that Gdf7 is a mesenchymal signal that acts in a paracrine fashion to control the differentiation of the seminal vesicle e pithelium. (C) 2001 Academic Press.