The biosynthesis of phosphophoryns and dentin collagen in the continuously erupting rat incisor

Green Biocompatible Method for the Synthesis of Collagen/Chitin Composites to Study Their Composition and Assembly Influence on Fibroblasts Growth

A green biocompatible route for the deposition and simultaneous assembly, by pH increment, of collagen/chitin composites was proposed. Both assembled and unassembled samples with different collagen/chitin ratios were synthesized, maintaining the β-chitin polymorph. The first set showed a microfibrous organization with compositional submicron homogeneity. The second set presented a nanohomogeneous composition based on collagen nanoaggregates and chitin nanofibrils. The sets were tested as scaffolds for fibroblast growth (NIH-3T3) to study the influence of composition and assembly. In the unassembled scaffolds, the positive influence of collagen on cell growth mostly worn out in 48 h, while the addition of chitin enhanced this effect for over 72 h. The assembled samples showed higher viability at 24 h but a less positive effect on viability along the time. This work highlighted critical aspects of the influence that composition and assembly has on fibroblast growth, a knowledge worth exploiting in scaffold design and preparation.

Grit blasted aggregates of hydroxyl apatite functionalized calcium carbonate in occluding dentinal tubules

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the effects of using hydroxyl apatite functionalized calcium carbonate (FCC) particles on occluding dentinal tubules.

Methods

Dentine specimens extracted from eighteen human molars with exposed dentinal tubules were divided into three groups (n = 6/group): a) Cut surface with smear layer; b) EDTA (smear layer removed with 17% EDTA for 1 min); and c) Grit blasted functionalized calcium carbonate (FCC) with and air pressure of 280 kPa. Microscopic dentinal tubule occlusion, tubule diameter and tubule area were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after grit blasting. Biomineralization of specimens was carried out in a simulated body fluid (SBF). Elemental analysis of occluding materials was carried out using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed to demonstrate the crystal structure of the biomineralized layer on dentine.

Results

FCC particles showed penetration into the dentinal tubules by breakage of their original particle shape and size. EDTA treated surface had higher number and larger size tubules than those with smear layer or grit blasted (p < 0.005). SEM-EDX analysis revealed mineral precipitation of calcium phosphate on the SBF immersed dentin specimens. XRD analysis showed typical crystal structure of hydroxyl apatite for the biomineralized surface layer on dentine.

Conclusions

Grit blasted FCC particles initially occluded effectively the opened dentinal tubules and biomineralization occurred in tubules primarily occluded by the FCC particles. However, in the optimal in vitro conditions in SBF, no difference between biomineralization was found between the grit blasted surface and the control surface.

Clinical significance

Several materials and methods have been established for treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity although a golden standard treatment has not been discovered. Grit blasted functionalized calcium carbonate has a potential to occlude and remineralize exposed dentinal tubules. This could offer a more biological approach on treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.

The unique biomineralization transcriptome and proteome of Lytechinus variegatus teeth

BACKGROUND

Matrix-regulated biomineralization involves the specific nucleation and growth of mineral phases within or upon preformed structured organic matrices. We hypothesized that there might be a general mechanism whereby anionic, phosphorylated mineral ion-binding proteins assist in specifically locating the mineral ions with respect to the mineralizing structural organic matrix. Here we extended these studies to invertebrate mineralization in Lytechinus variegatus (Lv) teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The tooth proteins were extracted and the phosphoproteins occluded in the mineral were enriched by passage through a ProQ Diamond phosphoprotein enrichment column, and subjected to MS/MS analysis. A Lv RNA-seq derived transcriptome database was generated. The MS/MS data found 25 proteins previously classified as "Predicted uncharacterized proteins" and many of the spicule matrix proteins. As these 25 proteins were also identified with the transcriptome analysis, and were thus no longer "hypothetical" but real proteins in the Lv tooth. Each protein was analyzed for the presence of a signal peptide, an acidic pI≤4, and the ability to be phosphorylated.

RESULTS

Four new Lv tooth specific Pro-Ala-rich proteins were found, representing a new class of proteins.

CONCLUSION

The tooth is different from the spicules and other urchin skeletal elements in that only the tooth contains both "high" and "very high" magnesium calcite, [Ca(1-X) Mg(X) CO3], where X is the mole fraction of Mg. We speculate that our newly discovered proline-alanine rich proteins, also containing sequences of acidic amino acids, may be involved in the formation of high magnesium and very high magnesium calcite.

Biomineralization mechanisms: a new paradigm for crystal nucleation in organic matrices

There is substantial practical interest in the mechanism by which the carbonated apatite of bone mineral can be initiated specifically in a matrix. The current literature is replete with studies aimed at mimicking the properties of vertebrate bone, teeth, and other hard tissues by creating organic matrices that can be mineralized in vitro and either functionally substitute for bone on a permanent basis or serve as a temporary structure that can be replaced by normal remodeling processes. A key element in this is mineralization of an implant with the matrix and mineral arranged in the proper orientations and relationships. This review examines the pathway to crystallization from a supersaturated calcium phosphate solution in vitro, focusing on the basic mechanistic questions concerning mineral nucleation and growth. Since bone and dentin mineral forms within collagenous matrices, we consider how the in vitro crystallization mechanisms might or might not be applicable to understanding the in vivo processes of biomineralization in bone and dentin. We propose that the pathway to crystallization from the calcium phosphate-supersaturated tissue fluids involves the formation of a dense liquid phase of first-layer bound-water hydrated calcium and phosphate ions in which the crystallization is nucleated. SIBLING proteins and their in vitro analogs, such as polyaspartic acids, have similar dense liquid first-layer bound-water surfaces which interact with the dense liquid calcium phosphate nucleation clusters and modulate the rate of crystallization within the bone and dentin collagen fibril matrix.

Dentin phosphoprotein binds annexin 2 and is involved in calcium transport in rat kidney ureteric bud cells

Dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) is the most abundant noncollagenous protein in the dentin, where it plays a major role in the mineralization of dentin. However, we and others have shown that in addition to being present in the dentin, DPP is also present in nonmineralizing tissues like the kidney, lung, and salivary glands, where it conceivably has other functions such as in calcium transport. Because annexins have been implicated as calcium transporters, we examined the relationships between DPP and annexins. In this report, we show that DPP binds to annexin 2 and 6 present in a rat ureteric bud cell line (RUB1). Immunofluorescence studies show that annexin 2 and DPP colocalize in these cells. In addition, DPP and annexin 2 colocalize in the ureteric bud branches of embryonic metanephric kidney. In the RUB1 cells and ureteric bud branches of embryonic kidney, colocalization was restricted to the cell membrane. Studies on calcium influx into RUB cells show that in the presence of anti-DPP, there was a 40% reduction of calcium influx into these cells. We postulate that DPP has different functions in the kidney as compared with the odontoblasts. In the odontoblasts, its primary function is in the extracellular mineralization of dentin, whereas in the kidney it may participate in calcium transport.

Proteolytic processing of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is essential to dentinogenesis

DSPP, which plays a crucial role in dentin formation, is processed into the NH(2)-terminal and COOH-terminal fragments. We believe that the proteolytic processing of DSPP is an essential activation step for its biological function in biomineralization. We tested this hypothesis by analyzing transgenic mice expressing the mutant D452A-DSPP in the Dspp-knock-out (Dspp-KO) background (referred to as "Dspp-KO/D452A-Tg" mice). We employed multipronged approaches to characterize the dentin of the Dspp-KO/D452A-Tg mice, in comparison with Dspp-KO mice and mice expressing the normal DSPP transgene in the Dspp-KO background (named Dspp-KO/normal-Tg mice). Our analyses showed that 90% of the D452A-DSPP in the dentin of Dspp-KO/D452A-Tg mice was not cleaved, indicating that D452A substitution effectively blocked the proteolytic processing of DSPP in vivo. While the expression of the normal DSPP fully rescued the dentin defects of the Dspp-KO mice, expressing the D452A-DSPP failed to do so. These results indicate that the proteolytic processing of DSPP is an activation step essential to its biological function in dentinogenesis.

Biominerals--hierarchical nanocomposites: the example of bone

Many organisms incorporate inorganic solids in their tissues to enhance their functional, primarily mechanical, properties. These mineralized tissues, also called biominerals, are unique organo-mineral nanocomposites, organized at several hierarchical levels, from nano- to macroscale. Unlike man-made composite materials, which often are simple physical blends of their components, the organic and inorganic phases in biominerals interface at the molecular level. Although these tissues are made of relatively weak components under ambient conditions, their hierarchical structural organization and intimate interactions between different elements lead to superior mechanical properties. Understanding basic principles of formation, structure, and functional properties of these tissues might lead to novel bioinspired strategies for material design and better treatments for diseases of the mineralized tissues. This review focuses on general principles of structural organization, formation, and functional properties of biominerals on the example the bone tissues.

Dentin sialophosphoprotein in biomineralization

Two of the proteins found in significant quantity in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of dentin are dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) and dentin sialoprotein (DSP). DPP, the most abundant of the noncollagenous proteins (NCPs) in dentin is an unusually polyanionic protein, containing a large number of aspartic acids (Asp) and phosphoserines (Pse) in the repeating sequences of (Asp-Pse)(n). and (Asp-Pse-Pse)(n). The many negatively charged regions of DPP are thought to promote mineralization by binding calcium and presenting it to collagen fibers at the mineralization front during the formation of dentin. This purported role of DPP is supported by a sizeable pool of in vitro mineralization data showing that DPP is an important initiator and modulator for the formation and growth of hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals. Quite differently, DSP is a glycoprotein, with little or no phosphate. DPP and DSP are the cleavage products of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). Human and mouse genetic studies have demonstrated that mutations in, or knockout of, the Dspp gene result in mineralization defects in dentin and/or bone. The discoveries in the past 40 years with regard to DPP, DSP, and DSPP have greatly enhanced our understanding of biomineralization and set a new stage for future studies. In this review, we summarize the important and new developments made in the past four decades regarding the structure and regulation of the Dspp gene, the biochemical characteristics of DSPP, DPP, and DSP as well as the cell/tissue localizations and functions of these molecules.

Phosphoproteins from teeth and bone

The anionic non-collagenous proteins of the extracellular matrices of bone and dentine have been proposed as important participants in the mineralization of these tissues. Phosphorylated protein components have been implicated as mediators of the specific nucleation of the growth of hydroxyapatite crystals on the matrix collagen fibrils. However, the phosphoproteins of bone and dentine are quite different and it is difficult to postulate a common mechanism for the nucleation. If there is a common mechanism some particular domain on each molecule is likely to be involved. Therefore, we have initiated studies of the domain structure of the most highly phosphorylated dentine protein, phosphophoryn. At least three sequence domains with different character have been found, and studies are under way to relate these domains to the antigenic, collagen-binding and calcium ion-binding properties of phosphophoryn. The collagen- and calcium ion-binding regions appear to be localized within the same domains.

Expression and potential role of dentin phosphophoryn (DPP) in mouse embryonic tissues involved in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions and branching morphogenesis

Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is synthesized in both mesenchyme and epithelium at varying stages of tooth development. At the tooth cap stage, corresponding to embryonic day (E) 13.5 of mouse embryonic life, the phosphophoryn (DPP) portion of DSPP was immunohistochemically localized to the enamel organ with intense staining of oral ectoderm but no expression in dental follicle mesenchyme. Surprisingly, DPP was also expressed in ureteric bud branches of embryonic metanephric kidney and alveolar epithelial buds of developing lung. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis verified the presence of DSPP mRNA with identical sequences in the tooth, lung, and kidney. The DSPP(-/-) mouse with ablated DPP expression in the teeth, also exhibited aberrant organogenesis in kidney and lung. In the kidney, malformed metanephric S-shaped bodies and increased mesenchymal apoptosis were observed. Inclusion of anti-DPP antibodies in organ culture of metanephroi, harvested from E13.5 wild-type mice, likewise resulted in altered ureteric bud morphogenesis, suggesting a role for DPP in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in meristic tissues during embryonic development.

Phosphorylation of Phosphophoryn Is Crucial for Its Function as a Mediator of Biomineralization

Phosphoproteins of the organic matrix of bone and dentin have been implicated as regulators of the nucleation and growth of the inorganic Ca-P crystals of vertebrate bones and teeth. One such protein identified in the dentin matrix is phosphophoryn (PP). It is highly acidic in nature because of a high content of aspartic acid and phosphate groups on serines. The 244-residue carboxyl-terminal domain of rat PP, predominantly containing the aspartic acid-serine repeats, has been cloned, and the corresponding protein has been expressed recombinantly in Escherichia coli. This portion of PP, named DMP2 (dentin matrix protein 2), is not phosphorylated by the bacteria and thus provided a means to study the function of the phosphate groups, the major post-translational modification of native PP. The recombinant DMP2 (rDMP2) possessed much lower calcium binding capacity than native PP. Small angle x-ray scattering experiments demonstrated that PP folds to a compact globular structure upon calcium binding, whereas rDMP2 maintained an unfolded structure. In vitro nucleation experiments showed that PP could nucleate plate-like apatite crystals in pseudophysiological buffer, whereas rDMP2 failed to mediate the transformation of amorphous calcium phosphate to apatite crystals under the same experimental conditions. Collagen binding experiments demonstrated that PP favors the formation of collagen aggregates, whereas in the presence of rDMP2 thin fibrils are formed. Overall these results suggested that the phosphate moieties in phosphophoryn are important for its function as a mediator of dentin biomineralization.

Isolation, purification and characterization of glycosaminoglycans in the fluids of the mollusc Anodonta cygnea

The isolation, purification and characterization of Anodonta cygnea haemolymph, and extrapallial fluid glycosaminoglycans (Gags), which have high calcium affinity, were carried out in order to better understand the process of nacreous shell biomineralization. Our results show the existence of two different Gags with similar contents in the two fluids, throughout the year, but with significant seasonal variations for both. In the winter months, we identified by electrophoresis, only one kind of Gag chain (hyaluronic acid) while two different Gags (hyaluronic acid and heparan sulphate-like) from both fluids of A. cygnea were found in summer months. Quantification showed the total Gag fractions of both fluids in average, at their highest concentration (79.8 mg/L) in the highest calcification summer period. In contrast, the period of the year with the lowest concentration of total Gags (54.6 mg/L) occurred during the winter when calcification is reduced. This significant decrease between seasons is correlated mainly with the sulphated fraction, being 37.1 mg/L in the summer while only 9.2 mg/L in the winter haemolymph. The present data suggest that a heparan sulphate-like Gag has a relevant role in the biomineralization mechanisms acting as the calcium carbonate nucleator in the shell.

Model surfaces engineered with nanoscale roughness and RGD tripeptides promote osteoblast activity

Cell adhesion to biomaterials is a prerequisite for tissue integration with the implant surface. Herein, we show that we can generate a model silica surface that contains a minimal-length arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide that maintains its biological activity. In the first part of this study, attachment of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cells was investigated on silicon oxide, amine terminated substrates [i.e., 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTS)], grafted RGD, and physisorbed RGD control. The APTS layer exhibited nanoscale roughness and presented amine functional groups for grafting a minimal RGD tripeptide devoid of any flanking groups or spacers. Contact angle measurements indicated that the hydrophobicity of the APTS surface was significantly lower than that of the surface with grafted RGD (RGD-APTS). Atomic force microscopy showed that surfaces covered with RGD-APTS were smoother (Ra = 0.71 nm) than those covered with APTS alone (Ra = 1.59 nm). Focusing mainly on cell morphology, experiments showed that the RGD-APTS hybrid provided an optimum surface for cell adhesion, spreading, and cytoskeletal organization. Discrete focal adhesion plaques were also observed consistent with successful cell signaling events. In a second set of experiments, smooth, monolayers of APTS (Ra = 0.1 nm) were used to prepare arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine (RGDS)-APTS and arginine-glycine-glutamic acid-serine (RGES)-APTS (control) substrates. Focusing mainly on cell function, integrin and gene expression were all enhanced for rate osteosarcoma cells on surfaces containing grafted RGDS. Both sets of studies demonstrated that grafted molecules of RGD(S) enhance both osteoblast-like cell adhesion and function.

Mechanical strain induces collagenase-3 (MMP-13) expression in MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells

Mechanical strain plays a crucial role in bone remodeling during growth and development and healing of bone besides systemic and local factors. One of the major factors involves in remodeling process is matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) such as MMP-13 that has been shown to degrade the native interstitial collagens in several tissues. To study how mechanical strain affects extracellular matrix degradation by MMP-13, a biaxial strain was applied to MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells plated onto a collagen-coated flexible elastic membrane. The MMP-13 protein and mRNA expression were determined by Western blotting and reverse transcriptase-PCR, respectively. The zymographic activities of MMP-13 increased dramatically at 30 min, reached a peak by 2-fold at 1 h, and maintained up to 4 h. Moreover, the MMP-13 and c-fos mRNA expressed at 5 min, increased to 2.8- and 3-fold at 1 h, respectively, and gradually declined thereafter. Cycloheximide and actinomycin D did not inhibit the MMP-13 and c-fos mRNA expression, suggesting that such expression does not require de novo protein synthesis and not change their stabilities. To investigate which of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways involves in the expression of MMP-13, inhibitors such as PD98059, SB203580, and SP600125 were used. However, only PD98059 (an inhibitor of MEK1/2 activation) inhibited MMP-13 and c-fos gene expression; the result was further substantiated by transfecting with the dominant negative mutants of MEK1/2 (MEK K97R) and ERK2. Taken together, our results showed that mechanical strain induces the MMP-13 expression through MEK-ERK signaling pathway to regulate mechanical adaptation.

Developmental regulation of dentin sialophosphoprotein during ameloblast differentiation: a potential enamel matrix nucleator

The two major dentin matrix proteins, dentin sialoprotein and dentin phosphoprotein have been shown to be expressed as a single large transcript termed dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). These non-collagenous matrix proteins, identified biochemically by their unique physical-chemical properties, are specific cleavage products of a large parent acidic phosphorylated protein (pI 4.0). Previous studies have shown expression of dentin sialoprotein at the protein level by ameloblasts. The purpose of this study was to determine the temporal-spatial pattern of DSPP expression during amelogenesis. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were performed on sections of developing mouse molars. These data were correlated with RT-PCR analysis of in vitro enamel organ epithelium monolayer cell cultures enriched for ameloblasts. Our data indicates initial expression of the DSPP transcripts and protein during early ameloblast differentiation prior to the secretory phase when the majority of the enamel matrix is formed. Ameloblasts appear to tightly down-regulate DSPP transcription as enamel matrix formation is up-regulated. These data demonstrate DSPP expression during amelogenesis is under highly controlled developmental regulation. Therefore, DSPP may have a primary role in the initial mineralization events of both enamel and dentin, acting as a potential nucleator of hydroxyapatite crystal formation.

A transmission electron microscope study using vitrified ice sections of predentin: structural changes in the dentin collagenous matrix prior to mineralization

The assembly of the collagenous organic matrix prior to mineralization is a key step in the formation of bones and teeth. This process was studied in the predentin of continuously forming rat incisors, using unstained vitrified ice sections examined in the transmission electron microscope. Progressing from the odontoblast surface to the mineralization front, the collagen fibrils thicken to ultimately form a dense network, and their repeat D-spacings and banding patterns vary. Using immunolocalization, the most abundant noncollagenous protein in dentin, phosphophoryn, was mapped to the boundaries between the gap and overlap zones along the fibrils nearest the mineralization front. It thus appears that the premineralized collagen matrix undergoes dynamic changes in its structure. These may be mediated by the addition and interaction with the highly anionic noncollagenous proteins associated with collagen. These changes presumably create a collagenous framework that is able to mineralize.

Inositol hexasulphate, a casein kinase inhibitor, alters enamel formation in cultured embryonic mouse tooth germs

Post-translational modification of enamel proteins is regulated by casein kinases (CK) and results in binding sites for calcium ions that subsequently play a key role during the initial stages of mineralization. Phosphorylation may also influence the secretion and extracellular organization of enamel proteins. Previous studies indicated that inositol hexasulphate inhibited the activity of CK-I and/or CK-II in mouse tooth germs (Torres-Quintana et al., 1998). We hypothesized that inositol hexasulphate would also inhibit the activity of the specific casein kinase(s) identified in secretory ameloblasts, and would prove useful for determination of the extent to which phosphorylation might influence the organization of enamel proteins at early stages of enamel formation. To test this hypothesis, we dissected mandibular first molars from 18-day-old mouse embryos and cultured them for 11 days in the presence of 0-0.1 mM inositol hexasulphate. Ultastructural analysis revealed that the formation of enamel was largely impaired at an inhibitor concentration > or = 0.08 mM. Quantitative radioautographic analysis of [33P]phosphate incorporation indicated that radiolabeled phosphate normally secreted into forming enamel was retained within ameloblasts. In contrast, no significant difference was observed between control and inositol-hexasulphate-treated tooth germs when cultures were labeled with [3H]serine and [3H]proline. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis confirmed that while inositol hexasulphate inhibited CK-mediated phosphorylation, it did not significantly alter protein synthesis. We conclude that impairment of phosphorylation leads to intracellular accumulation of [3H]phosphate-containing material by ameloblasts. We also conclude that when non-phosphorylated enamel matrix proteins are secreted, they are either unable to form an enamel matrix that supports mineralization, or they diffuse throughout a poorly mineralized dentin.

Extracellular matrix cell adhesion peptides: functional applications in orthopedic materials

This review describes research on selected peptide sequences that affect cell adhesion as it applies in orthopedic applications. Of particular interest are the integrin-binding RGD peptides and heparin-binding peptides. The influence of these peptides on cell adhesion is described. Cell adhesion is defined as a sequence of four steps: cell attachment, cell spreading, organization of an actin cytoskeleton, and formation of focal adhesions. RGD sequences clearly influence cell attachment and spreading, whereas heparin-binding sequences appear to be less efficient. Collectively, these sequences appear to promote all steps of cell adhesion in certain cell types. This review also addresses issues related to peptide immobilization, as well as potential complexities that may develop as a result of using these versatile cell-binding sequences. Also described are future directions in the field concerning use of existing and more sophisticated peptide substrata.

Effects of inositol hexasulphate, a casein kinase inhibitor, on dentine phosphorylated proteins in organ culture of mouse tooth germs

To study the effects of impaired protein phosphorylation on dentine formation and mineralization, inositol hexasulphate, an intracellular type I and type II casein kinase inhibitor, was used in an in vitro organotypic culture system. Mandibular first molar tooth germs were dissected from 18-day-old mouse embryos and cultured for 11 days with and without inositol hexasulphate at different concentrations. At 0.04-0.08 mM inhibitor, cellular alterations were not detected. Dentine displayed the characteristic purple-blue colour when Stains all, a specific stain for extracellular phosphoproteins, was used. At 0.1 mM, dentine failed to stain and mineralization did not occur, as seen from the von Kossa method. The presence of numerous lysosome-like vesicles inside cells indicated that the experiment was at the limits of cytotoxicity; higher concentrations induced severe cellular alterations. Therefore, quantitative radioautography was carried out on germs treated or not with the inhibitor at 0.1 mM. [33P]-phosphate incorporation showed that grain density in inhibited germs compared with that in control germs was about double in odontoblasts and half in the predentine/dentine compartment. In the presence of inositol hexasulphate the incorporation of [3H]serine into odontoblast cell bodies was unchanged between 2 and 24 h while in predentine/dentine, grain density was higher between 1 and 4 h, and reduced at 24 h. Both with [33P]phosphate and [3H]serine, labelling was seen throughout the porous dentine formed in vitro and not as a band located at the predentine/dentine junction, as is the case in vivo. With [3H]proline, in the presence of the inhibitor, a small reduction of grain density occurred in cell bodies, no significant difference was seen between 1 and 4 h in predentine/dentine, and more silver grains were present after 24 h both in cells and in the matrix. The radioautographic data support the view that the inhibitor interacts mostly with post-transductional phosphorylation and does not alter significantly other cell synthetic pathways and functions. Finally, the experiments presented here confirm that phophorylated proteins have a key role in dentine mineralization.

Genomic organization, chromosomal mapping, and promoter analysis of the mouse dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp) gene, which codes for both dentin sialoprotein and dentin phosphoprotein

Our laboratory has reported that two major noncollagenous dentin proteins, dentin sialoprotein and dentin phosphoprotein, are specific cleavage products of a larger precursor protein termed dentin sialophosphoprotein (MacDougall, M., Simmons, D., Luan, X., Nydegger, J., Feng, J. Q., and Gu, T. T. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272:835-842). To confirm our single gene hypothesis and initiate in vitro promoter studies, we have characterized the structural organization of the mouse dentin sialophosphoprotein gene. This gene has a transcription unit of approximately 9.4 kilobase pairs and is organized into 5 exons and 4 introns. Exon 1 contains a noncoding 5' sequence, and exon 2 contains the transcriptional start site, signal peptide, and first two amino acids of the NH2 terminus. Exons 3 and 4 contain coding information for 29 and 314 amino acids, respectively. The remainder of the coding information and the untranslated 3' region are contained in exon 5. Chromosomal mapping localized the gene to mouse chromosome 5q21 in close proximity to other dentin/bone matrix genes. Computer analysis of the promoter proximal 1.6-kilobase pair sequence revealed a number of potentially important cis-regulatory sequences; these include the recognition elements of AP-1, AP-2, Msx-1, serum response elements, SP-1, and TCF-1. In vitro studies showed that the DSPP promoter is active in an odontoblast cell line, MO6-G3, with basal activity mapped to -95 bp. Two potential enhancer and suppresser elements were identified in the regions between -1447 and -791 bp and -791 and -95 bp, respectively. The structural organization of the dentin sialophosphoprotein gene confirms our finding that both dentin sialoprotein and dentin phosphoprotein are encoded by a single gene with a continuous open reading frame.

Phosphorylation of the proteins of the extracellular matrix of mineralized tissues by casein kinase-like activity

The extracellular matrix of the connective tissue contains non-collagenous proteins (NCP) which are acidic in character. The NCP of mineralizing systems (bone, dentin) differ from those of the non-mineralizing systems (skin, tendon) in that the mineralized tissue NCP are frequently phosphorylated. The phosphorylated proteins have been implicated in various aspects of the mineralization process. Thus, it is of interest to consider the mechanism and regulation of phosphorylation of the major matrix NCP. The majority of the phosphorylation takes place at Ser or Thr residues embedded within acidic sequences, and therefore are targets for casein kinase I (CK1) or casein kinase II (CK2)-like kinases. CK1 and CK2 are distantly related members of the protein kinase family. They are ubiquitous, constitutively active, second-messenger-independent kinases. CK1 is found in a variety of isoforms, all homologous to the alpha-subunit of the protein kinase family. It acts as a monomer. The active form of CK2 is a tetrameric holoenzyme, with 2 alpha catalytic subunits and 2 beta regulatory subunits. The CK2 alpha has activity alone, but the holoenzyme is four- to five-fold that activity. CK2 can use either ATP or GTP as the phosphate donor, but CK1 can use only ATP. The CK2 activity which phosphorylates the mineralized tissue NCP appears to be localized to membrane-associated cell fractions, and is present in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi compartments in osteoblasts, where phosphorylation of the secreted proteins appears to take place as co- and post-translational processes. Data indicate that both alpha and beta subunits of the membrane-associated CK2 are isoforms of the cytosolic CK2 in the same cells. The CK1 has not been specifically localized. Studies of dephosphorylated NCP such as phosphophoryn (PP) have shown that CK1 will not phosphorylate dephosphorylated dPP unless prior phosphorylation with CK2 has been carried out. In turn, CK2 activity may be initiated only after an initial phosphorylation of one of the messenger-dependent kinases. Thus, the phosphorylation reactions in mineralized tissues may be a tightly regulated hierarchical or sequential cascade of intracellular phosphorylation events.

Dentin phosphoprotein and dentin sialoprotein are cleavage products expressed from a single transcript coded by a gene on human chromosome 4. Dentin phosphoprotein DNA sequence determination

Dentin is the major mineralized extracellular matrix of the tooth. The organic components of dentin consist of type I collagen (90%) with 10% noncollagenous proteins, which are also components of bone. Two dentin proteins, dentin sialoprotein and dentin phosphoprotein, have been shown to be tooth-specific being expressed mostly by odontoblast cells. In this study, we screened a mouse molar tooth library for dentin sialoprotein and dentin phosphoprotein cDNA clones. Analysis of the clones resulted in characterization of a 4420-nucleotide cDNA that contained a 940-amino acid open reading frame. The signal peptide and NH2-terminal sequence was 75% homologous to the cDNA sequence of rat dentin sialoprotein. The continued open reading frame, however, contained a RGD sequence followed by a region of repeated aspartic acid and serine residues. This portion of the protein codes for amino acid sequence consistent with that of dentin phosphoprotein. The noncoding region contains three potential polyadenylation signals, two of which were shown to be utilized. Northern blot analysis indicated the presence of two major transcripts of 4.4 and 2.2 kilobases in odontoblasts. Chromosomal mapping localized the gene to human chromosome 4. These data suggest that the previously identified dentin extracellular matrix proteins, dentin sialoprotein and dentin phosphoprotein, are expressed as a single cDNA transcript coding for a protein that is specifically cleaved into two smaller polypeptides with unique physical-chemical characteristics. Therefore, we propose that the gene be named dentin sialophosphoprotein. The location of the human dentin sialophosphoprotein gene on chromosome 4 suggests that this gene may be a strong candidate gene for the genetic disease dentinogenesis imperfecta type II.

A probabilistic approach to measure the strength of bone cell adhesion to chemically modified surfaces

Patterned surfaces with alternating regions of amino silanes [N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyl-trimethoxysilane (EDS)] and alkyl silanes [dimethyldichlorosilane (DMS)] have been used to alter the kinetics of spatial distribution of cells in vitro. In particular, we have previously observed the preferential spatial distribution of bone cells on the EDS regions of EDS/ DMS patterned surfaces (10). In this study, we examined whether the mechanism of spatial distribution of cells on the EDS regions was adhesion mediated. Homogeneous layers of EDS and DMS were immobilized on quartz substrates and characterized by contact angle. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and spectroscopic ellipsometry. The strength of bone cell attachment to the modified substrates was examined using a radial flow apparatus, within either 20 min or 2 hr of cell incubation in the presence of serum. A Weibull distribution was chosen to characterize the strength of cell-substratum adhesion. Within 20 min of cell exposure, the strength of adhesion was significantly larger on EDS and clean surfaces, compared with DMS surfaces (p < 0.001). Within 2 hr of cell incubation, there was no statistical difference between the strength of cell adhesion to EDS, DMS, and clean surfaces. The results of this study suggest that the surface chemistry mediates adhesion-based spatial cell arrangement through a layer of adsorbed serum proteins.

Extracellular matrix proteins of dentine

Bone and dentine extracellular matrix proteins are similar, consisting primarily of type I collagen, acidic proteins and proteoglycans. Although collagen forms the lattice for deposition of calcium and phosphate for formation of carbonate apatite, the non-collagenous proteins are believed to control initiation and growth of the crystals. Despite this similarity, dentine contains three unique proteins apparently absent from bone and other tissue: dentine phosphophoryn (DPP), dentine matrix protein 1 (DMP1) and dentine sialoprotein (DSP). DPP and DMP1 are acidic phosphoproteins probably involved in the control of mineralization processes. DPP may localize in gap regions of collagen and initiate apatite crystal formation by binding large quantities of calcium in a conformation that promotes this process. Extensive studies have been conducted in our laboratory on the nature, biosynthesis, localization and gene structure of DSP. Immunolocalization studies showed that rat DSP, a 53 kDa sialic acid-rich glycoprotein, was synthesized by young and mature odontoblasts, and by dental pulp cells and pre-ameloblasts, but not by ameloblasts, osteoblasts, chondrocytes or other cell types. The cDNA sequence indicated that DSP was a 366-residue protein with several potential N-glycosylation sites, as well as phosphorylation sites, but that the amino acid sequence was dissimilar to that of other known proteins. Northern blot analysis detected several mRNA species near 4.6 and 1.5 kb, indicative of alternative splicing events. Evidence for two DSP genes was obtained, further complicating this picture. Recent in situ hybridization studies utilizing rat and mouse molars and incisors indicated that DSP mRNA was expressed by young odontoblasts and odontoblasts in animals of all ages. Transcripts were also observed in pre-ameloblasts. The expression of DSP mRNA ceased when these cells matured to become secretory ameloblasts. DSP transcripts were not detected in osteoblasts or other cell types. The transient expression in pre-ameloblasts suggests a role of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in the formation of the tooth.

Sequence determination of an extremely acidic rat dentin phosphoprotein

The mineralization process associated with the conversion of predentin to dentin is believed to be initiated and controlled by a set of acidic regulatory noncollagenous proteins (NCPs) which include phosphophoryn, the major NCP in dentin. Phosphophoryn binds tightly to collagen and is believed to initiate the formation of apatite crystals which play a central role in the mineralization process. During the process of analyzing the 3' end of an odontoblast-specific cDNA which codes for dentin sialoprotein (Ritchie, H. H., Hou, H., Veis, A., and Butler, W. T. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 3698-3702), we discovered a 801-base pair open reading frame. This downstream open reading frame encodes a putative leader sequence and a very acidic mature protein sequence having a deduced amino acid composition containing high percentages of both Ser (43%) and Asp (31%) residues which closely coincides with the amino acid composition of phosphophoryns from human, bovine, rat, and rabbit (i. e. Asp (30-40%) and Ser (38-50%)). This newly identified cDNA therefore encodes a protein with characteristics similar to phosphophoryn. Here we present the cDNA sequence, the deduced amino acid sequence, and the prospective Ser residue-specific casein kinase I and II phosphorylation sites for this putative phosphophoryn.

An immunocytochemical study of the routes of secretion of collagen and phosphophoryn from odontoblasts into dentin

Polyclonal antibodies to rat incisor phosphophoryns and to the amino-telopeptide of the alpha1 (I)-chain of type I collagen were used to follow the pathways of movement of collagen I (COL1) and phosphophoryns (PP) from synthesis in the odontoblast to secretion into the mineralized dentin. The antibodies were detected at the transmission electron microscopic level by their reaction with Protein A-colloidal gold conjugates. Special care was given in specimen preparation to retention of maximal antigenicity during fixation while maintaining cellular and extracellular ultrastructure at the mineralization front (MF) in nondemineralized sections. Intracellularly, COL1 and PP were detected within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the Golgi (G) and secretory granules (SG). However, as determined by double-immunolabeling with different size gold particles the COL1 and PP were not found together within the same ER, G or SG compartments. PP was localized within the tubular ER, round-shaped transitional vesicles, the Golgi and in narrow asymmetric SG. These asymmetric SG were found in abundance in the odontoblastic process. PP secretion from these vesicles was near the MF at the predentin-dentin boundary. COL1 was localized within rosette form ER compartments, the Golgi and in large, distinctive SG. COL1 was deposited at the cell-predentin boundary. No COL1 SG were seen within the odontoblastic process near the MF. In the region of the MF, prior to mineralization, the PP was localized along the surfaces of the COL1 fibrils of the predentin. The mineral phase etched surfaces revealed both COL1- and abundant mineral-associated PP. These data support the hypotheses that, in dentin, the interaction between COL1 and PP may initiate crystal nucleation and that additional interactions between PP and the growing crystals may modulate the crystal growth pattern and crystal size.

Dentin mineralization and the role of odontoblasts in calcium transport

Dentin is formed by two simultaneous processes, in which the odontoblasts are instrumental--the formation of the collagenous matrix, and mineral crystal formation in this matrix. This pattern of formation is similar to that of bone, another mineralized connective tissue. Dentin and bone also have chemical compositions which are similar but with distinct differences. It is of fundamental importance to understand how the ions constituting the inorganic phase are transported from the circulation to the site of mineral formation and how this transport is regulated. For dentinogenesis, calcium is essentially the only ion for which data are available. Recent evidence suggests that a major portion of the Ca2+ ions are transported by a transcellular route, thus being under cellular control. The cells maintain a delicate Ca2+ ion balance by the concerted action of transmembraneous transport mechanisms, including Ca-ATPase, Na+/Ca2+ exchangers and calcium channels, and of intracellular Ca(2+)-binding proteins. The net effect of this is a maintenance of a submicromolar intracellular Ca2+ activity, and an extracellular accumulation of Ca2+ ions in predentin, at the mineralization front. Predentin can be regarded as a zone of formation and maturation of the scaffolding collagen web of the dentin organic matrix. In addition to collagen, it contains little but proteoglycan. Simultaneous with mineral formation, additional non-collagenous macromolecules are added to the extracellular matrix of dentin, these presumably being transported within the odontoblast process. Among these are highly phosphorylated dentin phosphoprotein (phosphophoryn) and another pool of proteoglycan.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

In vitro and in vivo association of dentin phosphophoryn with alpha1CB6 peptide of type I collagen

A small number of molecules of phosphophoryns, dentin phosphoproteins, are associated to collagen tightly with the maturation of dentin. As an in vitro model of the process, we examined non-covalent association of phosphophoryns and collagen CNBr peptides. Cyanogen bromide peptides of type I collagen were separated with electrophoresis and transferred to a membrane, which was probed with labeled phosphophoryns. Phosphophoryns were bound preferentially to alpha1CB6 peptide. Another experiment using a cleavable crosslinking agent also demonstrated the affinity between phosphophoryns and the alpha1CB6 region of collagen. The matrix-bound fraction of phosphophoryns was solubilized by CNBr digestion of bovine dentin, and was partially purified. Compositional analysis revealed that the fraction was composed of association products of phosphophoryns and collagen at the ratio of 2:3. Considering the high molecular weight of the fraction, one phosphophoryn molecule should be associated with several collagen peptides. The fraction reacted with the antibody against alphalCB6 peptide. When the fraction was digested with lysyl endopeptidase, several peptides that coincided with peptides from alpha1CB6 were released. One of the peptides was sequenced and identified to be a peptide with Asp 975 of the alpha1(I) chain as an amino terminal residue. The alpha1CB6 peptide may be involved in the matrix-bound fraction, although involvement of other collagen peptides cannot be ruled out. Phosphophoryns may associate with collagen at the alpha1CB6 region at first, and then be immobilized on it, possibly by covalent crosslinking, with maturation of dentin. Binding of several alpha1CB6 peptides to a single phosphophoryn molecule is possible in current 3-dimensional models of collagen packing in mineralized tissue, which allows alignment of several hole zones in register.

Mineral-matrix interactions in bone and dentin

The bone, dentin, and cementum of the mature individual are comprised from a dense collagenous fiber network into which the carbonate-apatite mineral phase is deposited. It is hypothesized that a set of collagen-interactive acidic phosphoproteins are secreted by the osteoblasts, odontoblasts, and cementoblasts into the preformed collagenous matrix. These proteins then interact specifically with the collagen and nucleate apatite formation on and within the fibrils. These phosphoproteins may also regulate the morphology, rate of growth, and stability of the mineral phase crystals. The acidic matrix phosphoproteins may thus be considered as the crucial regulators of mineralization and tissue stability. In the dentin system, these regulatory proteins are synthesized, posttranslationally modified, and secreted in vesicles different from the collagen secretory vesicles. Mineralization occurs as the regulatory proteins are deposited on the preformed fibrils. This model requires testing in the bone system. In dentin, in the absence of tissue turnover, the resident phosphoproteins are degraded in situ over time, perhaps changing the properties of the tissue. Regulation of synthesis, secretory pathways and retention of integrity within the matrix are thus important areas for further investigation.

Dentinogenesis

The formation of dentin, dentinogenesis, comprises a sophisticated interplay between several factors in the tissue, cellular as well as extracellular. Dentin may be regarded as a calcified connective tissue. In this respect, as well as in its mode of formation, it is closely related to bone. Using dentinogenesis as an experimental model to study biomineralization provides several practical advantages, and the results may be extrapolated to understand similar processes in other tissues, primarily bone. After describing dentin structure and composition, this review discusses items such as the morphology of dentinogenesis; the dentinogenically active odontoblast, transport, and concentrations of mineral ions; the constituents of the dentin organic matrix; and the presumed mechanisms involved in mineral formation.

Heritable dentin defects: nosology, pathology, and treatment

Heritable dentin defects have been divided into 2 main categories: dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI) and dentin dysplasia (DD). Recent studies have shown that they share many features in common. Of the connective tissue diseases, only osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) has been linked to these disorders. So far, no definitive relation between the type of OI and the dental involvement can be established. Familial occurrence of DI with OI cannot be comprehensively explained by mutations in type I collagen genes. No information about the gene defects in DD is available. At the ultrastructural level, the organization of the normally cross-striated collagen fibers in the dentin matrix varies markedly in patients affected by DI.

The role of extracellular matrix components in dentin mineralization

The extracellular matrix of dentin consists of mineral (hydroxyapatite), collagen, and several noncollagenous matrix proteins. These noncollagenous matrix proteins may be mediators of cell-matrix interactions, matrix maturation, and mineralization. This review describes the current knowledge of the chemistry of mineral crystal formation in dentin with special emphasis on the roles of the dentin matrix proteins. The functions of some of these matrix proteins in the mineralization process have been deduced based on in vitro studies. Functions for others have been postulated based on analogy with some of the bone matrix proteins. Evidence suggests that several of these matrix proteins may have multiple effects on nucleation, crystal growth, and orientation of dentin hydroxyapatite.

Patterns of mineralization in vitro

Various patterns of mineralization are found in the organism during fetal and postnatal development. Different findings and theories have been published in the literature with regard to the mechanisms of mineralization, many of which are controversely discussed. In the present study the different patterns of mineralization observed in the organoid culture system of fetal rat calvarial cells were investigated by electron microscopy. In organoid culture, calvarial cells grow and differentiate at high density, and deposition of osteoid and mineralization of the matrix occur to a very high extent. Different types of mineralization could be observed more or less simultaneously. It was found that hydroxyapatite crystals were formed at collagen fibrils as well as in the interfibrillar space. Mineralization was frequently seen in necrotic cells and cellular remnants as well as in extra- and intracellular vesicles. Addition of bone or dentin matrices or the artificial hydroxyapatite Interpore 200 to the cells caused an increased mineralization in the vicinity and on the surface of the matrices with and without participation of collagen. On previously formed mineralized nodules, an apposition of mineralizing material appeared due to matrix secretion by osteoblasts. It is concluded that initiation of mineralization occurs--at least in vitro--at every nucleation point under appropriate conditions. These mineralization foci enlarge by further apposition as well as by cellular secretion of a mineralizing matrix. Furthermore, cell necroses may liberate mineralizable vesicles. All these patterns of mineralization are the result of different activities of one cell type.

Concentration-dependent effects of dentin phosphophoryn in the regulation of in vitro hydroxyapatite formation and growth

The effect of dentin phosphophoryn on hydroxyapatite formation and growth was studied in an in vitro gelatin gel diffusion system. Phosphophoryn, in low concentrations (0.010-1 microgram/ml) promoted de novo hydroxyapatite formation; at a higher concentration (100 micrograms/ml) in the same system, the dentin matrix protein inhibited hydroxyapatite growth. Similar inhibition of hydroxyapatite growth was seen in solution. The intact phosphophoryn was not essential for either inhibition of seeded growth or promotion of mineralization, since the formic acid degraded protein was comparably effective. Transmission electron microscopy of the precipitates formed at 7 days showed no significant differences in crystallite size distribution in the presence and absence of phosphophoryn. However there was a dose-dependent decrease in the number of mineral clusters formed in the presence of increasing amounts of phosphophoryn, suggesting inhibition of secondary nucleation. These data provide support for the postulated 'multifunctional' role of the dentin phosphoprotein in the mineralization process.

Dentin matrix proteins: composition and possible functions in calcification

Dentin may be regarded as a mineralized connective tissue. In its composition as well as its mode of formation, dentin exhibits several similarities with bone, but also definite differences. The dentin organic phase, the matrix, determines its morphology and is believed to be instrumental in the formation of the mineral phase. A fibrous web of collagen type I dominates the organic matrix. Also, minor amounts of other collagen types may be present. The noncollagenous proteins (NCPs), which constitute about 10% of the matrix, fall into several categories: phosphoproteins, Gla-proteins of the osteocalcin type as well as matrix Gla-protein, proteoglycans, different acidic glycoproteins, and serum proteins. Some of these NCPs have unique chemical compositions that give them specific properties. Dentinogenesis occurs by two simultaneous processes: the formation of a collagenous web in predentin, which is followed by the formation of the inorganic phase at the mineralization front. The composition of the predentin organic matrix differs from that of dentin, as some NCP components are secreted extracellularly just in advance of the mineralization front. In addition, some constituents of predentin seem to be metabolized. The NCPs may be important to several processes during dentinogenesis. Much evidence indicates that noncollagenous components in the matrix are instrumental in mineral formation. New data show that polyanionic NCPs, such as phosphoprotein and proteoglycans, when immobilized on a solid support, induce apatite formation under physiological conditions. These data indicate that polyanionic NCPs may function as mineral nucleators in vivo. They may also act as size and rate regulators for crystallization and promote calcium ion diffusion in the tissue. In addition, NCPs may regulate collagen fibrillogenesis.

Ultrastructural immunolocalization of a major phosphoprotein in embryonic chick bone

Immunocytochemistry utilizing the protein A-gold technique was used to examine the ultrastructural cellular and extracellular distribution of a major phosphoprotein in chick bone. HCl-extracts of embryonic and neo-natal chick bones contain a major 66kD phosphoprotein (BPP) which was purified and used to raise polyclonal antibodies in rabbits. The mid-diaphyseal regions of 8-, 12- and 18-day embryonic chick tibiae were fixed with 1% glutaraldehyde and embedded in Epon or Lowicryl. Electron microscopy following incubation of tissue sections with the antibody and the protein A-gold complex revealed specific immunolabeling over the rER and Golgi apparatus of osteoblasts and over those areas of bone matrix containing Ca and P as determined by electron probe x-ray microanalysis. These included extracellular areas in the matrix undergoing early mineralization and electron dense patches occurring at the mineralization front and extending throughout the more mature bone regions. Biochemical analyses of bone tissue processed similarly to that used for immunocytochemistry confirmed the retention of phosphoprotein in the tissue. The spatial correlation of phosphoprotein in the extracellular matrix with Ca-P mineral deposits confirms an earlier report using 33Pi and radioautography and may indicate a role for phosphoproteins in calcification.

Phosphoprotein synthesis and secretion by odontoblasts in rat incisors as revealed by electron microscopic radioautography

The secretory pathway of dentin phosphoproteins in rat incisors was studied by electron microscopic radioautography after the injection of 3H-serine, and the results were compared with those using 3H-proline as a tracer. Five min after injection of 3H-serine, radioactivity was found in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. At 10 min, silver grains were observed over the spherical portions of the cisface of the Golgi apparatus. At 20 min after injection, silver grains were seen over the cylindrical portions of the transface of the Golgi apparatus. The secretory granules showed the strongest reaction from 20 min to 1 hr. At 45 min, a significant labeled band appeared at the mineralization front. At 1 hr, the labeling at the mineralization front began to appear in the mineralized dentin, and after 12 hr this labeled band was located within the mineralized dentin. The pathway of 3H-proline was essentially the same as that of 3H-serine, but 3H-proline moved more slowly than 3H-serine, especially in transit from the rough endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus. Secretory granules were heavily labeled from 30 min to 1 hr after injection of 3H-proline; no labeling was found at the mineralization front at 45 min. The labeling seen initially over the predentin was over the mineralized dentin no earlier than 6 hr after injection. The labeling pattern with 3H-serine is closely related to the localization of phosphoproteins, whereas the pattern with 3H-proline reflects the production of collagen rather than of phosphoproteins. The present radioautographic results indicate that dentin phosphoproteins are related to secretory granules and are secreted by odontoblasts at the mineralization front and also that phosphoproteins are involved in the process of mineralization of the circumpulpal dentin.

Localization and synthesis of type III collagen and fibronectin in human reparative dentine. Immunoperoxidase and immunogold staining

The injury of dental pulp tissue, following caries, is accompanied by the deposit of a typical hard scar tissue known as reparative dentine which should be regarded as the mineralization of a new organic matrix. Highly purified antibodies were used in combination with immunoperoxidase or immunogold technique at the ultrastructural level to reveal the distribution and synthesis of types I and III collagen and fibronectin elaborated by typical matrix-forming cells in the new tissue. Specific immunoperoxidase labelling, on demineralized teeth, clearly demonstrated that type I collagen represents the main type of collagen (88%). It is associated with bundles of fine striated fibrils of type III collagen and in close vicinity with fibronectin and constituted, at least, the new organic matrix of reparative dentine. Immunogold staining gave precise localization mainly over Golgi apparatus for the 3 components, thus suggesting that the cells concerned should not be considered as new odontoblasts but rather as pulpal cells in the process of differentiation participating in the formation of new dentine. Moreover, these events are very similar to those observed during wound healing in other tissues.

Dentin in chronic renal failure: an ultrastructural study

Disturbances in the mineralization of hard tissues in patients suffering from chronic renal failure and in patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis are a well-established phenomenon. These disturbances are the result of complex pathophysiologic alterations in calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Disturbances in the dentin of teeth, analagous to those occurring in bone, were not recognized until 1983 when it was reported that a significantly thicker predentin layer was present in the teeth of patients with chronic renal failure and in patients being treated with chronic hemodialysis (1). The aim of the present study was to conduct a comparative ultrastructural (SEM) analysis of dentin in this group of patients. A wide spectrum of changes was detected, ranging from mild disturbances with increasing tubule irregularity and focal obliteration of tubule lumens, to widespread formation of dysplastic dentin exhibiting numerous mineralized, largely atubular globules with only occasional large, irregular tubules. In general, these changes appeared to reflect the type and effectiveness of treatment rendered (renal transplant or hemodialysis therapy). The findings suggest that dentin exhibits significant ultrastructural alterations when the underlying homeostatic regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism is disturbed in systemic disorders such as chronic renal failure.

Two classes of dentin phosphophoryns, from a wide range of species, contain immunologically cross-reactive epitope regions

An immunological species comparison, using a monospecific rabbit polyclonal antibody directed against rat incisor alpha-phosphophoryn, has been undertaken to assess the similarity in epitope regions among various dentin phosphophoryns (PP) that were prepared from human, monkey, bovine, ovine, and echinoderm teeth. Dentin extracellular matrix proteins were extracted with a standard method using 0.5 M EDTA in the presence of enzyme inhibitors. Final phosphophoryn purification was performed on DEAE ion exchange HPLC. Cross-reactivity of the polyclonal antibody was examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and dot-blot. The results of this investigation demonstrate a cross-reactivity of the rat-alpha-phosphophoryn antibody (anti-RIPP) with at least one phosphophoryn component in each dentin studied, indicating the existence of similar antigenic determinants among these proteins. It would seem that these epitope regions have been strongly conserved since the epitope region is also present in the phosphoprotein of echinoderm teeth. No cross-reactivity was found with phosvitin (a phosphoserine-rich phosphoprotein), rat serum albumin, bovine serum albumin, or collagen type IV. However, a new and distinct second cross-reactive phosphophoryn, not calcium ion-precipitable, was found in the EDTA insoluble fraction from the teeth. These results indicate that dentin phosphophoryns are specific phenotypic markers for odontoblast expression. Because of the species cross-reactivity, the polyclonal anti-RIPP antibody may be a useful probe in studying the distribution of phosphophoryns in other species, such as human teeth.