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Amelogenin post-secretory processing during biomineralization in the postnatal mouse molar tooth
1Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90033.
Archives of Oral Biology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Researchers studied amelogenin protein processing during tooth development. Post-secretory cleavage of amelogenins influences enamel matrix structure and crystallite formation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Developmental Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- The biosynthesis and primary structure of amelogenin protein are known.
- Its post-secretory processing and role in enamel biomineralization require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the post-secretory processing of amelogenin during early tooth development.
- To understand the relationship between amelogenin processing and enamel biomineralization.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and purification of tooth matrix proteins from mouse molars (M1) at various developmental stages (birth to 15 days).
- Analysis using SDS-PAGE, HPLC, immunochemical methods, and amino acid analysis.
- Characterization of amelogenin protein fragments.
Main Results:
- A 26 kDa amelogenin was observed at birth, which was processed into smaller 20-25 kDa fragments during development.
- These fragments exhibited approximately 1 kDa size differences.
- Amino acid analysis confirmed amino-terminal TRAP sequences; glycosylation and phosphorylation were not detected.
- Evidence suggests specific carboxy-terminal cleavages generate these amelogenin variants.
Conclusions:
- Post-secretory processing of amelogenin occurs via sequential carboxy-terminal cleavages.
- This processing is functionally linked to the developing enamel matrix structure.
- Amelogenin processing plays a role in controlling the development of enamel crystallites.