Gastrin-releasing peptide expression and its effect on the calcification of developing mouse incisor

Histochem Cell Biol. 2015 Sep;144(3):273-9. doi: 10.1007/s00418-015-1335-1. Epub 2015 Jul 1.

Abstract

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is considered to be one of the cancer growth factors. This peptide's receptor (GRPR) is known as a G protein-coupled receptor, regulating intracellular calcium storage and releasing signals. This study is the first to investigate the function of GRP during mouse incisor development. We hypothesized that GRP is one of the factors that affects the regulation of calcification during tooth development. To verify the expression pattern of GRP, in situ hybridization was processed during incisor development. GRP was expressed at the late bell stage and hard tissue formation stage in the epithelial tissue. To identify the genuine function of GRP during incisor development, a gain-of-function analysis was performed. After GRP overexpression in culture, the phenotype of ameloblasts, odontoblasts and predentin was altered compared to control group. Moreover, enamel and dentin thickness was increased after renal capsule transplantation of GRP-overexpressed incisors. With these results, we suggest that GRP plays a significant role in the formation of enamel and dentin by regulating ameloblasts and predentin formation, respectively. Thus, GRP signaling is strongly related to calcium acquisition and secretion during mouse incisor development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Ameloblasts / physiology
  • Animals
  • Calcification, Physiologic / genetics*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dental Enamel / metabolism
  • Dentin / metabolism
  • Epithelial Cells / physiology
  • Gastrin-Releasing Peptide / genetics*
  • Gastrin-Releasing Peptide / physiology*
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Incisor / growth & development*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Odontoblasts / physiology
  • Odontogenesis / genetics

Substances

  • Gastrin-Releasing Peptide