Mesenchymal-epithelial interaction techniques

• Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions are fundamental developmental mechanisms.
• Mesenchymal-epithelial interaction techniques are described.
• Mesenchymal-epithelial interactions can occur across species lines.

This paper reviews the importance of mesenchymal-epithelial interactions in development and gives detailed technical protocols for investigating these interactions. Successful analysis of mesenchymal-epithelial interactions requires knowing the ages in which embryonic, neonatal and adult organs can be separated into mesenchymal and epithelial tissues. Methods for separation of mesenchymal and epithelial tissues and preparation of tissue recombinants are described.