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Immunofluorescent lectin binding patterns and glycoprotein co-localization in the developing murine molar tooth
A K Jowett1, S J Kimber, M W Ferguson
1Department of Cell and Structural Biology, University of Manchester, U.K.
Archives of Oral Biology
|April 1, 1992
Summary
Saccharide expression, including D-galactose-(beta 1----3)DGalNAc and blood group H type I oligosaccharides, changes during tooth germ development. These glycosylation patterns are important in odontogenesis, varying with matrix components.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Developmental Biology
- Oral Biology
Background:
- Saccharide expression plays a role in developmental processes.
- Understanding glycosylation changes during tooth development is crucial for oral biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate saccharide expression in the developing tooth germ.
- To correlate saccharide expression with specific developmental stages and matrix proteins.
Main Methods:
- Used fluorescein-conjugated lectins (PNA, UEA-I, LTA, BSL-I) to detect saccharides.
- Employed antibodies against laminin, tenascin, and amelogenin.
- Examined tooth germ at different developmental stages (bud, cap, late amelogenesis).
Main Results:
- Peanut agglutinin (PNA) binding suggests D-galactose-(beta 1----3)DGalNAc residues at the bud stage, after tenascin expression.
- Ulex europeus agglutinin-I (UEA-I) staining in cap-stage enamel organs implies transient blood group H type I oligosaccharides.
- Loss of Bandeiraea (Griffonia) simplicifolia--I (BSL-I) from ameloblasts precedes enamel synthesis, indicating removal of a glycosylated species.
- PNA co-localized with amelogenin, suggesting beta-D-galactosyl sequences.
Conclusions:
- Glycosylation patterns of matrix components vary significantly during odontogenesis.
- These dynamic changes in saccharide expression are likely important for tooth development.
- The observed variations resemble those in well-known glycoproteins.