Involvement of matrix metalloproteinases in the onset of dentin mineralization

Formation of the dentino-enamel interface in enamelysin (MMP-20)-deficient mouse incisors

An anomalous dentino-enamel junction (DEJ), manifested by delamination of the enamel layer, was reported in enamelysin [matrix metalloproteinase-20 (MMP-20)] knockout (KO) mice. To better understand the possible role of MMP-20 in the formation of the DEJ, we performed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies of the DEJ at early stages of tooth morphogenesis in KO mice. Our TEM analysis revealed that in the incisors from KO mice the mantle dentin is hypomineralized at the onset of enamel mineralization. At this early stage, TEM revealed no apparent differences in nascent aprismatic enamel between the KO mice and the controls. Hypomineralized mantle dentin was also observed in the incisors from KO mice, as assessed by back-scattered SEM at the secretory and early maturation stages, but not in the late-maturation stage, suggesting that the mineralization of mantle dentin is not completely arrested, but rather postponed. Histological studies indicate that the organic content in the initial enamel layer remains very high throughout amelogenesis. These results imply that MMP-20 is involved in the regulation of mineralization in mantle dentin and demonstrate the complex nature of DEJ formation. They also suggest that the structural and functional properties of the DEJ are determined during the initial mineralization stages.

The impact of bioactive molecules to stimulate tooth repair and regeneration as part of restorative dentistry

After implantation in the exposed pulp, some molecules of the den-tin extracellular matrix induce the formation of a reparative dentinal bridge in the coronal pulp. In some cases, total occlusion of the root canal also is observed. This is the case for bone sialoprotein, bone morphogenetic protein-7, Dentonin (a fragment from matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein), and two small amelogenin gene splice products (A+4 and A-4). Cells implicated in the reparative process are recruited, proliferate, and differentiate into osteoblast-like and odontoblast-like cells. The same results may be obtained by direct implantation of odontoblast progenitor cell into the pulp.

Differential regulation of TIMP-1, -2, and -3 mRNA and protein expressions during mouse incisor development

Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) possess multiple functions, in addition to their matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitory activity. The continuously growing incisor of mouse possesses a stem cell compartment at the apical end of the epithelium (the apical loop) and thus provides an excellent tool to analyze the mechanisms of organogenesis and cytodifferentiation. To understand the functions of TIMPs in tooth development, we have analyzed the gene expression and protein localization of TIMP-1, -2, and -3 during mouse incisor development, from embryonic day 13 (E13) to postnatal day 3 (P3). TIMP-1 was present on the basement membrane during early developmental stages. At P2, TIMP-1 was strongly detected along the apical loop, transiently disappeared from the basement membrane in the cytodifferentiation zone, and later reappeared at the distal end of functional ameloblasts. Expression of TIMP-2 protein was restricted to the outer part of the apical loop throughout the examined stages. At P2, TIMP-2 was present on the basement membrane at the outer part of the apical loop. The dental follicle also expressed Timp-2, and the corresponding protein was abundant within the extracellular matrix. Timp-3 mRNA was highly expressed in the mesenchyme surrounding the apical loop. During matrix formation, Timp-3 was expressed by subodontoblasts, and the protein was detected in this layer and between odontoblasts. Distinct temporal and spatial expression patterns of TIMPs suggest divergent functions of these factors in incisor organogenesis.

Possible functional involvement of thymosin beta 4 in developing tooth germ of mouse lower first molar

We examined the detailed in situ expression pattern of thymosin beta 4 (Tbeta4) in the developing mouse mandibular first molar. Tbeta4 mRNA was expressed in the presumptive dental epithelium at embryonic day 10.5 (E10.5) and in the thickened dental epithelium at E12. An in situ signal was observed in the invaginated epithelial bud at E13, in the enamel organ at E14 and E14.5, and in the primary enamel knot (PEK) at E14.5. The signal was localized in the epithelial cells of the outer layer of the enamel organ at E15 and E15.5. No signal was found in the PEK at these stages. Tbeta4 mRNA was expressed in the inner enamel epithelium, cervical loop and dental lamina at E16 and E17. The expression of Tbeta4 mRNA was observed in the polarized inner epithelial cells at E18, newborn day 1 (N1) and N2. However, the signal intensity decreased markedly at N3. We herein report for the first time that Tbeta4 is distinctly expressed in developing tooth germ, and it may also play functional roles in the initiation, growth and differentiation of tooth germ.

Matrix metalloproteinase inhibition impairs the processing, formation and mineralization of dental tissues during mouse molar development

Organotypic cultures of embryonic mouse tooth germs were used to investigate the developmental expression and roles of MMPs in the formation and mineralization of dentin and enamel matrices. The spatially and temporally regulated expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-20 in developing mouse tooth germs in vivo was maintained in culture. The inhibition of metalloproteinases activity by marimastat altered the morphogenesis and mineralization of the tooth germs associated with an inhibition of the activation of both MMP-20 and MMP-2. MMP inhibition deregulated the molecular processing of two major dental matrix proteins, amelogenin and dentin sialoprotein (DSP). This coincided with their accumulation and the loss of their normal distribution within the extracellular matrix, resulting in a defective mineralization of dentin and enamel matrices. These findings demonstrate the critical role of MMPs in the processing and maturation of the dental matrix.