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The Unfolded Protein Response in Amelogenesis and Enamel Pathologies.
Steven J Brookes1, Martin J Barron2, Michael J Dixon2
1Division of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Leeds, St James's University HospitalLeeds, United Kingdom.
Frontiers in Physiology
|September 28, 2017
Summary
The unfolded protein response (UPR) in ameloblasts manages ER stress during enamel formation but can trigger apoptosis in severe cases. This review explores UPR
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Ameloblasts are specialized secretory cells forming dental enamel.
- They utilize the unfolded protein response (UPR) to manage endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress from protein secretion.
- Prolonged ER stress can shift the UPR from survival to apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the ameloblast UPR in amelogenesis.
- To examine UPR involvement in amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) and fluorosis.
- To discuss potential therapeutic UPR modulation for AI and fluorosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of UPR mechanisms in amelogenesis.
- Analysis of UPR's role in proteopathies like AI.
- Examination of UPR involvement in non-proteopathic conditions like fluorosis.
Main Results:
- Certain AI forms involve protein accumulation, activating UPR-induced apoptosis.
- Fluorosis also engages the UPR, sharing pathological mechanisms with proteopathies.
- UPR modulation presents a potential therapeutic strategy for AI and fluorosis.
Conclusions:
- The UPR is critical in ameloblast function and dysfunction.
- Understanding UPR's dual role is key to addressing enamel developmental disorders.
- Targeting the UPR may offer novel treatments for AI and fluorosis.
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