A deletion in the amelogenin gene (AMG) causes X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta (AIH1)

Amelogenesis imperfecta is characterized by the defective formation of tooth enamel. Here we present evidence that the X-linked form of this disorder (AIH1) is caused by a structural alteration in one of the predominant proteins in enamel, amelogenin. Southern blot analysis revealed a deletion extending over 5 kb of the amelogenin gene in males with the hypomineralization form of the AIH1. Carrier females were heterozygous for the molecular defect. The deletion appears to include at least two exons of the amelogenin gene and the extent of the deletion was verified by PCR analysis. The mutation was shown to segregate with the disease among 15 analyzed individuals belonging to the same kindred. Our results link a defect in the amelogenin gene to the abnormal formation of enamel. We thus conclude that the amelogenin protein has a role in biomineralization of tooth enamel.