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Towards unraveling the human tooth transcriptome: the dentome
Shijia Hu1, Joel Parker2, John Timothy Wright3
1Pediatric Dentistry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America; Oral Biology Curriculum, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America.
Plos One
|April 8, 2015
Summary
This study characterized gene expression in human tooth development, revealing molecular pathways involved in cell movement and identifying potential links to Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology and developmental genetics
- Molecular and cellular biology
- Genomics and transcriptomics
Background:
- Understanding human tooth development (odontogenesis) is crucial for oral health.
- Specific gene expression patterns in ameloblasts and odontoblasts are not fully elucidated.
- The human
- dentome
- requires further characterization at the molecular level.
Purpose of the Study:
- To profile the transcriptome of human ameloblasts and odontoblasts.
- To identify molecular pathways regulating tooth formation and cell behavior.
- To advance knowledge of the human dentome and odontogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Laser capture microdissection of human tooth bud cells (ameloblasts, odontoblasts).
- Whole genome expression arrays (Agilent 41k) at presecretory and secretory enamel stages.
- Differential gene expression analysis (SAM 4.0) and pathway analysis (Ingenuity Pathway Analysis).
Main Results:
- Characterized gene expression in 14,802 (odontoblasts), 15,179 (presecretory ameloblasts), and 14,526 (secretory ameloblasts) genes.
- Confirmed expression of known tooth development genes (e.g., COL1A1, AMELX).
- Identified potential cell movement genes (FN1, LUM, ASTN1) and activated pathways (Phospholipase C, ERK5) in odontoblasts; implicated WNT3A and TGFB1 in Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia.
Conclusions:
- Laser capture microdissection is effective for analyzing specific tooth bud cell populations.
- Transcriptome profiling reveals key molecular pathways in odontogenesis and biomineralization.
- Findings offer insights into odontogenic pathologies and potential therapeutic targets.
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