Bmpr1a signaling plays critical roles in palatal shelf growth and palatal bone formation

► Bmpr1a is differentially expressed along the A-P axis of developing palate. ► Bmpr1a is required in the mesenchyme for primary and secondary palate outgrowth. ► Bmpr1a signaling in the palatal mesenchyme is required for palatal bone formation. ► Palatal processes of maxilla form by de novo osteogenesis in palatal mesenchyme.