Synergistic roles of amelogenin and ameloblastin

J Dent Res. 2009 Apr;88(4):318-22. doi: 10.1177/0022034509334749.

Abstract

Amelogenin and ameloblastin, the major enamel matrix proteins, are important for enamel mineralization. To identify their synergistic roles in enamel development, we generated Amel X(-/-)/Ambn(-/-) mice. These mice showed additional enamel defects in comparison with Amel X(-/-) or Ambn(-/-) mice. In 7-day-old Amel X(-/-)/Ambn(-/-) mice, not only was the ameloblast layer irregular and detached from the enamel surface, as in Ambn(-/-), but also, the enamel width was significantly reduced in the double-null mice as compared with Amel X(-/-) or Ambn(-/-) mice. Proteomic analysis of the double-null teeth revealed increased levels of RhoGDI (Arhgdia), a Rho-family-specific guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor, which is involved in important cellular processes, such as cell attachment. Both Amel X(-/-)/Ambn(-/-) mice and Ambn(-/-) mice displayed positive staining with RhoGDI antibody in the irregularly shaped ameloblasts detached from the matrix. Ameloblastin-regulated expression of RhoGDI suggests that Rho-mediated signaling pathway might play a role in enamel formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

MeSH terms

  • Amelogenesis / genetics
  • Amelogenesis / physiology*
  • Amelogenin / genetics
  • Amelogenin / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Dental Enamel / physiology
  • Dental Enamel / ultrastructure*
  • Dental Enamel Proteins / genetics
  • Dental Enamel Proteins / physiology*
  • Incisor / ultrastructure
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Molar / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Ambn protein, mouse
  • Amelogenin
  • Dental Enamel Proteins