Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Comprehensive Characterization of Tissue Mineralization in an Ex Vivo Model
Published on: September 27, 2024
Characterization of recombinant human cementum protein 1 (hrCEMP1): primary role in biomineralization
Eduardo Villarreal-Ramírez1, Abel Moreno, Jaime Mas-Oliva
1Laboratorio de Biología Periodontal y Tejidos Mineralizados, Facultad de Odontología, UNAM, México DF, Mexico.
Abstract:
Cementum protein 1 (CEMP1) has been recently cloned, and in vitro experiments have shown functions as regulator of cementoblast behavior and inducer of differentiation of non-osteogenic cells toward a cementoblastic/osteoblastic phenotype. In this study, we have produced a full-length human recombinant CEMP1 protein in a human gingival fibroblast cell line. The purified protein (hrCEMP1) has a M(r) 50,000. Characterization of hrCEMP1 indicates that its secondary structure is mainly composed of beta-sheet (55%), where random coil and alpha helix conformations correspond to 35% and 10%, respectively. It was found that hrCEMP1 is N-glycosylated, phosphorylated and possesses strong affinity for hydroxyapatite. Even more important, our results show that hrCEMP1 plays a role during the biomineralization process by promoting octacalcium phosphate (OCP) crystal nucleation. These features make CEMP1 a very good candidate for biotechnological applications in order to achieve cementum and/or bone regeneration.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
The Bone Matrix
Hydration of Cement
Bone Remodeling
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Essential Minerals for Bone Health
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium is a critical component of bones, especially in the form of calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Since the body cannot make calcium, it must be obtained from the diet. However, calcium cannot be absorbed from the small intestine without...

