Mutant Dentin Sialophosphoprotein Causes Dentinogenesis Imperfecta

FAM20A is a golgi-localized Type II transmembrane protein

Family with sequence similarity 20, member A (FAM20A) is a pseudo-kinase in the secretory pathway and is essential for enamel formation in humans. Here we examine if FAM20A is a membrane-associated protein. We show that the full-length FAM20A can be purified from HEK293 cells transfected with a FAM20A-expresing construct. Further, it is only found in the membrane fraction, but not in the soluble fraction, of cell lysate. Consistently, it is not secreted out of the expressing cells. Moreover, it is co-localized with GM130, a cis-Golgi network marker, and membrane topology analysis indicates that it has its C-terminus oriented towards the lumen of the organelle. Our results support that FAM20A is a Type II transmembrane protein within the secretory compartments.

Constitutive expression of spliced X-box binding protein 1 inhibits dentin formation in mice

Upon endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) is activated, which subsequently converts an unspliced X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1U) mRNA to a spliced mRNA that encodes a potent XBP1S transcription factor. XBP1S is essential for relieving ER stress and secretory cell differentiation. We previously established Twist2-Cre;Xbp1 CS/+ mice that constitutively expressed XBP1S in the Twist2-expressing cells as well as in the cells derived from the Twist2-expressing cells. In this study, we analyzed the dental phenotype of Twist2-Cre;Xbp1 CS/+ mice. We first generated a mutant Xbp1s minigene that corresponds to the recombinant Xbp1 Δ26 allele (the Xbp1 CS allele that has undergone Cre-mediated recombination) and confirmed that the Xbp1s minigene expressed XBP1S that does not require IRE1α activation in vitro. Consistently, immunohistochemistry showed that XBP1S was constitutively expressed in the odontoblasts and other dental pulp cells in Twist2-Cre;Xbp1 CS/+ mice. Plain X-ray radiography and µCT analysis revealed that constitutive expression of XBP1S altered the dental pulp chamber roof- and floor-dentin formation, resulting in a significant reduction in dentin/cementum formation in Twist2-Cre;Xbp1 CS/+ mice, compared to age-matched Xbp1 CS/+ control mice. However, there is no significant difference in the density of dentin/cementum between these two groups of mice. Histologically, persistent expression of XBP1S caused a morphological change in odontoblasts in Twist2-Cre;Xbp1 CS/+ mice. Nevertheless, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry analyses showed that continuous expression of XBP1S had no apparent effects on the expression of the Dspp and Dmp1 genes. In conclusion, these results support that sustained production of XBP1S adversely affected odontoblast function and dentin formation.

Regenerative Endodontic Treatment in Dentinogenesis Imperfecta-Induced Apical Periodontitis

Pulp involvement of immature permanent teeth with dentinogenesis imperfecta is challenging and could lead to extraction. A case of dentinogenesis imperfecta-induced periapical periodontitis of an immature permanent tooth was treated with regenerative endodontic treatment (RET), and root maturation was observed in 12-month follow-up. An 8-year-old girl presented acute pain and swelling in central mandibular region. Clinical and radiographic examination revealed "shell teeth" appearance of teeth 31, 41, and 42. Periapical lesion of tooth 31 was observed. Tooth 41 was previously treated with apexification. RET was planned and carried out for the necrotic tooth (tooth 31) with dentinogenesis imperfecta. The 1-, 3-, 7-, and 12-month postoperative recall revealed complete healing of periapical lesions. Root maturation characterized by elongation of root, thickening of dentinal walls, and closure of root apex was observed with radiographic examinations. We show that RET could be a desirable treatment for necrotic immature permanent teeth with dentinogenesis imperfecta and lead to resolution of endodontic lesions as well as maturation of dental root. The findings of this case suggest that RET should be considered by endodontist and pediatric dentist to treat teeth with similar dental anomalies and apical periodontitis.

GATA4 inhibits odontoblastic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells through targeting IGFBP3

OBJECTIVE

The odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) is associated with reparative dentinogenesis. Transcription factor GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) is proved to be essential for osteoblast differentiation and bone remodeling. This study clarified the function of GATA4 in HDPSCs odontoblast differentiation.

METHODS

The change in GATA4 expression during reparative dentin formation was detected by immunohistochemistry staining. The expression of GATA4 during HDPSCs odontoblastic differentiation was detected by western blot and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The effect of GATA4 on odontoblast differentiation was investigated following overexpression lentivirus transfection. RNA sequencing, dual luciferase assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (CHIP) were conducted to verify downstream targets of GATA4. GATA4 overexpression lentivirus and small interference RNA targeting IGFBP3 were co-transfected to investigate the regulatory mechanism of GATA4.

RESULTS

Upregulated GATA4 was observed during reparative dentin formation in vivo and the odontoblastic differentiation of HDPSCs in vitro. GATA4 overexpression suppressed the odontoblastic potential of HDPSCs, demonstrated by decreased alkaline phosphatase activity (p < 0.0001), mineralized nodules formation (p < 0.01), and odonto/osteogenic differentiation markers levels (p < 0.05). RNA sequencing revealed IGFBP3 was a potential target of GATA4. CHIP and dual luciferase assays identified GATA4 could activate IGFBP3 transcription. Additionally, IGFBP3 knockdown recovered the odontoblastic differentiation defect caused by GATA4 overexpression (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

GATA4 inhibited odontoblastic differentiation of HDPSCs via activating the transcriptional activity of IGFBP3, identifying its promising role in regulating HDPSCs odontoblast differentiation and reparative dentinogenesis.

Hereditary dentin defects with systemic diseases

OBJECTIVE

This review aimed to summarize recent progress on syndromic dentin defects, promoting a better understanding of systemic diseases with dentin malformations, the molecules involved, and related mechanisms.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

References on genetic diseases with dentin malformations were obtained from various sources, including PubMed, OMIM, NCBI, and other websites. The clinical phenotypes and genetic backgrounds of these diseases were then summarized, analyzed, and compared.

RESULTS

Over 10 systemic diseases, including osteogenesis imperfecta, hypophosphatemic rickets, vitamin D-dependent rickets, familial tumoral calcinosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia, hypophosphatasia, Elsahy-Waters syndrome, Singleton-Merten syndrome, odontochondrodysplasia, and microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II were examined. Most of these are bone disorders, and their pathogenic genes may regulate both dentin and bone development, involving extracellular matrix, cell differentiation, and metabolism of calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. The phenotypes of these syndromic dentin defects various with the involved genes, part of them are similar to dentinogenesis imperfecta or dentin dysplasia, while others only present one or two types of dentin abnormalities such as discoloration, irregular enlarged or obliterated pulp and canal, or root malformation.

CONCLUSION

Some specific dentin defects associated with systemic diseases may serve as important phenotypes for dentists to diagnose. Furthermore, mechanistic studies on syndromic dentin defects may provide valuable insights into isolated dentin defects and general dentin development or mineralization.

Promotive Effect of FBXO32 on the Odontoblastic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) is crucial for the intricate formation and repair processes in dental pulp. Until now, the literature is not able to demonstrate the role of ubiquitination in the odontoblastic differentiation of hDPSCs. This study investigated the role of F-box-only protein 32 (FBXO32), an E3 ligase, in the odontoblastic differentiation of hDPSCs. The mRNA expression profile was obtained from ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-Seq) data and analyzed. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining identify the FBXO32 expression in human dental pulp and hDPSCs. Small-hairpin RNA lentivirus was used for FBXO32 knockdown and overexpression. Odontoblastic differentiation of hDPSCs was determined via alkaline phosphatase activity, Alizarin Red S staining, and mRNA and protein expression levels were detected using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Furthermore, subcutaneous transplantation in nude mice was performed to evaluate the role of FBXO32 in mineralization in vivo using histological analysis. FBXO32 expression was upregulated in the odontoblast differentiated hDPSCs as evidenced by RNA-Seq data analysis. FBXO32 was detected in hDPSCs and the odontoblast layer of the dental pulp. Increased FBXO32 expression in hDPSCs during odontoblastic differentiation was confirmed. Through lentivirus infection method, FBXO32 downregulation in hDPSCs attenuated odontoblastic differentiation in vitro and in vivo, whereas FBXO32 upregulation promoted the hDPSCs odontoblastic differentiation, without affecting proliferation and migration. This study demonstrated, for the first time, the promotive role of FBXO32 in regulating the odontoblastic differentiation of hDPSCs, thereby providing novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms during odontoblastic differentiation in hDPSCs.

Dentin defects caused by a Dspp-1 frameshift mutation are associated with the activation of autophagy

Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is primarily expressed by differentiated odontoblasts (dentin-forming cells), and transiently expressed by presecretory ameloblasts (enamel-forming cells). Disease-causing DSPP mutations predominantly fall into two categories: 5' mutations affecting targeting and trafficking, and 3' - 1 frameshift mutations converting the repetitive, hydrophilic, acidic C-terminal domain into a hydrophobic one. We characterized the dental phenotypes and investigated the pathological mechanisms of DsppP19L and Dspp-1fs mice that replicate the two categories of human DSPP mutations. In DsppP19L mice, dentin is less mineralized but contains dentinal tubules. Enamel mineral density is reduced. Intracellular accumulation and ER retention of DSPP is observed in odontoblasts and ameloblasts. In Dspp-1fs mice, a thin layer of reparative dentin lacking dentinal tubules is deposited. Odontoblasts show severe pathosis, including intracellular accumulation and ER retention of DSPP, strong ubiquitin and autophagy activity, ER-phagy, and sporadic apoptosis. Ultrastructurally, odontoblasts show extensive autophagic vacuoles, some of which contain fragmented ER. Enamel formation is comparable to wild type. These findings distinguish molecular mechanisms underlying the dental phenotypes of DsppP19L and Dspp-1fs mice and support the recently revised Shields classification of dentinogenesis imperfecta caused by DSPP mutations in humans. The Dspp-1fs mice may be valuable for the study of autophagy and ER-phagy.

Novel dentin sialophosphoprotein gene frameshift mutations affect dentin mineralization

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify candidate genes for inheritable dentin defects in three Chinese pedigrees and characterize the property of affected teeth.

DESIGN

Clinical and radiological features were recorded for the affected individuals. Genomic DNA obtained from peripheral venous blood or saliva were analyzed by whole-exome sequencing. The density and microhardness of affected dentin was measured. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also performed to obtain the microstructure phenotype.

RESULTS

1) General appearance: the affected dentitions shared yellowish-brown or milky color. Radiographs showed that the pulp cavity and root canals were obliterated in varying degrees or exhibited a pulp aspect in the 'thistle tube'. Some patients exhibited periapical infections without pulpal exposure, and some affected individuals showed shortened, abnormally thin roots accompanied by severe alveolar bone loss. 2) Genomic analysis: three new frameshift mutations (NM_014208.3: c.2833delA, c.2852delGand c.3239delA) were identified in exon 5 of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) gene, altering dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) as result. In vitro studies showed that the density and microhardness of affected dentin were decreased, the dentinal tubules were sparse and arranged disorderly, and the dentinal-enamel-junction (DEJ) was abnormal.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we identified three novel frameshift mutations of dentin sialophosphoprotein gene related to inherited dentin defects. These mutations are speculated to cause abnormal coding of dentin phosphoprotein C-terminus, which affect dentin mineralization. These results expand the spectrum of dentin sialophosphoprotein gene mutations causing inheritable dentin defects and broaden our understanding of the biological mechanisms by which dentin forms.

Enamel biomineralization under the effects of indomethacin and celecoxib non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on biomineralization of enamel. Sixty C57Bl6 male mice were used, which were assigned into three groups: celecoxib (n = 20) or indomethacin (n = 20) treatment for a period of 28 days or received no medication (control group, n = 20). Visual inspection and microcomputed tomography were used to analyze enamel morphology. Scanning electron microscopy–Energy dispersive X-ray and Knoop microhardness test were used to quantify chemical element content (Ca, P, C, O) and enamel microhardness, respectively. Tissues were collected to investigate the synthesis, activity or nuclear translocation of metalloproteinase-20, transcription factor Runx2, dentin sialoprotein and cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme by means of immunohistochemistry, in situ zymography and indirect immunofluorescence. Treatment with indomethacin and celecoxib reduced the Ca and P content, microhardness and mineral density in enamel. Treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs caused an accumulation of metalloproteinase-20 and overall increased enzymatic activity in enamel matrix, while the synthesis of the transcription factor Runx2 was inhibited by these drugs. Interestingly, indomethacin inhibited Runx2 translocation to the nucleus whereas celecoxib did not. Those findings show that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs impact the enamel biomineralization and could be involved in the etiology tooth enamel defects if used during the period of tooth formation and mineralization.

A Review of Dentinogenesis Imperfecta and Primary Dentin Disorders in Dogs

This review describes the clinical, radiographic and histologic characteristics of dentinogenesis imperfecta diagnosed in two unrelated young dogs without evidence of concurrent osteogenesis imperfecta. The dentition was noted to have generalized coronal discoloration ranging from grey-blue to golden brown. Clinical pulp exposure, coronal wear and fractures were observed as was radiographic evidence of endodontic disease, thin dentin walls or dystrophic obliteration of the pulp canal. The enamel was severely affected by attrition and abrasion despite histologically normal areas; loss was most likely due to poor adherence or support by the underlying abnormal dentin. Histologically, permanent and deciduous teeth examined showed thin, amorphous dentin without organized dentin tubules and odontoblasts had dysplastic cell morphology. Primary dentin disorders, including dentinogenesis imperfecta and dentin dysplasia, have been extensively studied and genetically characterized in humans but infrequently reported in dogs. Treatment in human patients is aimed at early recognition and multi-disciplinary intervention to restore and maintain normal occlusion, aesthetics, mastication and speech. Treatment in both humans and canine patients is discussed as is the documented genetic heritability of primary dentin disorders in humans.

The Modified Shields Classification and 12 Families with Defined DSPP Mutations

Mutations in Dentin Sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) are known to cause, in order of increasing severity, dentin dysplasia type-II (DD-II), dentinogenesis imperfecta type-II (DGI-II), and dentinogenesis imperfecta type-III (DGI-III). DSPP mutations fall into two groups: a 5′-group that affects protein targeting and a 3′-group that shifts translation into the −1 reading frame. Using whole-exome sequence (WES) analyses and Single Molecule Real-Time (SMRT) sequencing, we identified disease-causing DSPP mutations in 12 families. Three of the mutations are novel: c.53T>C/p.(Val18Ala); c.3461delG/p.(Ser1154Metfs*160); and c.3700delA/p.(Ser1234Alafs*80). We propose genetic analysis start with WES analysis of proband DNA to identify mutations in COL1A1 and COL1A2 causing dominant forms of osteogenesis imperfecta, 5′-DSPP mutations, and 3′-DSPP frameshifts near the margins of the DSPP repeat region, and SMRT sequencing when the disease-causing mutation is not identified. After reviewing the literature and incorporating new information showing distinct differences in the cell pathology observed between knockin mice with 5′-Dspp or 3′-Dspp mutations, we propose a modified Shields Classification based upon the causative mutation rather than phenotypic severity such that patients identified with 5′-DSPP defects be diagnosed as DGI-III, while those with 3′-DSPP defects be diagnosed as DGI-II.

Facilitation of Reparative Dentin Using a Drug Repositioning Approach With 4-Phenylbutric Acid

For hard tissue formation, cellular mechanisms, involved in protein folding, processing, and secretion play important roles in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In pathological and regeneration conditions, ER stress hinders proper formation and secretion of proteins, and tissue regeneration by unfolded protein synthesis. 4-Phenylbutyric acid (4PBA) is a chemical chaperone that alleviates ER stress through modulation in proteins folding and protein trafficking. However, previous studies about 4PBA only focused on the metabolic diseases rather than on hard tissue formation and regeneration. Herein, we evaluated the function of 4PBA in dentin regeneration using an exposed pulp animal model system via a local delivery method as a drug repositioning strategy. Our results showed altered morphological changes and cellular physiology with histology and immunohistochemistry. The 4PBA treatment modulated the inflammation reaction and resolved ER stress in the early stage of pulp exposure. In addition, 4PBA treatment activated blood vessel formation and TGF-β1 expression in the dentin-pulp complex. Micro-computed tomography and histological examinations confirmed the facilitated formation of the dentin bridge in the 4PBA-treated specimens. These results suggest that proper modulation of ER stress would be an important factor for secretion and patterned formation in dentin regeneration.

Phenotype and molecular characterizations of a family with dentinogenesis imperfecta shields type II with a novel DSPP mutation

Background

Dentinogenesis imperfecta (DGI), Shields type-II is an autosomal dominant genetic disease which severely affects the function of the patients’ teeth. The dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) gene is considered to be the pathogenic gene of DGI-II. In this study, a DGI-II family with a novel DSPP mutation were collected, functional characteristics of DGI cells and clinical features were analyzed to better understand the genotype-phenotype relationship of this disease.

Methods

Clinical data were collected, whole exome sequencing (WES) was conducted, and Sanger sequencing was used to verify the mutation sites. Physical characteristics of the patient’s teeth were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The localization of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-fused wild-type (WT) dentin sialoprotein (DSP) and its variant were evaluated via an immunocytochemistry (ICC) assay. The behaviors of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were investigated by flow cytometry, osteogenic differentiation, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Results

A novel heterozygous mutation c.53T > G (p. Val18Gly) in DSPP was found in this family. The SEM results showed that the participants’ teeth had reduced and irregular dentinal tubes. The EDS results showed that the Ca/P ratio of the patients’ teeth was significantly higher than that of the control group. The ICC assay showed that the mutant DSP was entrapped in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), while the WT DSP located mainly in the Golgi apparatus. In comparison with normal cells, the patient’s cells exhibited significantly decreased mineralization ability and lower expression levels of DSPP and RUNX2.

Conclusions

The c.53T > G (p. Val18Gly) DSPP variant was shown to present with rare hypoplastic enamel defects. Functional analysis revealed that this novel variant disturbs dentinal characteristics and pulp cell behavior.

Mouse Dspp frameshift model of human dentinogenesis imperfecta

Non-syndromic inherited defects of tooth dentin are caused by two classes of dominant negative/gain-of-function mutations in dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP): 5' mutations affecting an N-terminal targeting sequence and 3' mutations that shift translation into the - 1 reading frame. DSPP defects cause an overlapping spectrum of phenotypes classified as dentin dysplasia type II and dentinogenesis imperfecta types II and III. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we generated a Dspp^-1fs mouse model by introducing a FLAG-tag followed by a single nucleotide deletion that translated 493 extraneous amino acids before termination. Developing incisors and/or molars from this mouse and a Dspp^P19L mouse were characterized by morphological assessment, bSEM, nanohardness testing, histological analysis, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Dspp^P19L dentin contained dentinal tubules but grew slowly and was softer and less mineralized than the wild-type. Dspp^P19L incisor enamel was softer than normal, while molar enamel showed reduced rod/interrod definition. Dspp^-1fs dentin formation was analogous to reparative dentin: it lacked dentinal tubules, contained cellular debris, and was significantly softer and thinner than Dspp^+/+ and Dspp^P19L dentin. The Dspp^-1fs incisor enamel appeared normal and was comparable to the wild-type in hardness. We conclude that 5' and 3' Dspp mutations cause dental malformations through different pathological mechanisms and can be regarded as distinct disorders.

Enamel Defects Associated With Dentin Sialophosphoprotein Mutation in Mice

Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is an extracellular matrix protein that is highly expressed in odontoblasts, but only transiently expressed in presecretory ameloblasts during tooth development. We previously generated a knockin mouse model expressing a mouse equivalent (DSPP, p.P19L) of human mutant DSPP (p.P17L; referred to as “Dspp^P19L/+”), and reported that Dspp^P19L/+ and Dspp^P19L/P19L mice manifested a dentin phenotype resembling human dentinogenesis imperfecta (DGI). In this study, we analyzed pathogenic effects of mutant P19L-DSPP on enamel development in Dspp^P19L/+ and Dspp^P19L/P19L mice. Micro-Computed Tomography (μCT) analyses of 7-week-old mouse mandibular incisors showed that Dspp^P19L/P19L mice had significantly decreased enamel volume and/or enamel density at different stages of amelogenesis examined. Acid-etched scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses of mouse incisors demonstrated that, at the mid-late maturation stage of amelogenesis, the enamel of wild-type mice already had apparent decussating pattern of enamel rods, whereas only minute particulates were found in Dspp^P19L/+ mice, and no discernible structures in Dspp^P19L/P19L mouse enamel. However, by the time that incisor enamel was about to erupt into oral cavity, distinct decussating enamel rods were evident in Dspp^P19L/+ mice, but only poorly-defined enamel rods were revealed in Dspp^P19L/P19L mice. Moreover, μCT analyses of the mandibular first molars showed that Dspp^P19L/+ and Dspp^P19L/P19L mice had a significant reduction in enamel volume and enamel density at the ages of 2, 3, and 24weeks after birth. Backscattered and acid-etched SEM analyses revealed that while 3-week-old Dspp^P19L/+ mice had similar pattern of enamel rods in the mandibular first molars as age-matched wild-type mice, no distinct enamel rods were observed in Dspp^P19L/P19L mice. Yet neither Dspp^P19L/+ nor Dspp^P19L/P19L mice showed well-defined enamel rods in the mandibular first molars by the age of 24weeks, as judged by backscattered and acid-etched SEM. In situ hybridization showed that DSPP mRNA level was markedly reduced in the presecretory ameloblasts, but immunohistochemistry revealed that DSP/DSPP immunostaining signals were much stronger within the presecretory ameloblasts in Dspp mutant mice than in wild-type mice. These results suggest that mutant P19L-DSPP protein caused developmental enamel defects in mice, which may be associated with intracellular retention of mutant DSPP in the presecretory ameloblasts.

Dentine sialophosphoprotein signal in dentineogenesis and dentine regeneration

Dentineogenesis starts on odontoblasts, which synthesise and secrete non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) and collagen. When dentine is injured, dental pulp progenitors/mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can migrate to the injured area, differentiate into odontoblasts and facilitate formation of reactionary dentine. Dental pulp progenitor cell/MSC differentiation is controlled at given niches. Among dental NCPs, dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is a member of the small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoprotein (SIBLING) family, whose members share common biochemical characteristics such as an Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif. DSPP expression is cell- and tissue-specific and highly seen in odontoblasts and dentine. DSPP mutations cause hereditary dentine diseases. DSPP is catalysed into dentine glycoprotein (DGP)/sialoprotein (DSP) and phosphoprotein (DPP) by proteolysis. DSP is further processed towards active molecules. DPP contains an RGD motif and abundant Ser-Asp/Asp-Ser repeat regions. DPP-RGD motif binds to integrin αVβ3 and activates intracellular signalling via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-ERK pathways. Unlike other SIBLING proteins, DPP lacks the RGD motif in some species. However, DPP Ser-Asp/Asp-Ser repeat regions bind to calcium-phosphate deposits and promote hydroxyapatite crystal growth and mineralisation via calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) cascades. DSP lacks the RGD site but contains signal peptides. The tripeptides of the signal domains interact with cargo receptors within the endoplasmic reticulum that facilitate transport of DSPP from the endoplasmic reticulum to the extracellular matrix. Furthermore, the middle- and COOH-terminal regions of DSP bind to cellular membrane receptors, integrin β6 and occludin, inducing cell differentiation. The present review may shed light on DSPP roles during odontogenesis.

Notch signaling in the dynamics of perivascular stem cells and their niches

The Notch signaling pathway is a fundamental regulator of cell fate determination in homeostasis and regeneration. In this work, we aimed to determine how Notch signaling mediates the interactions between perivascular stem cells and their niches in human dental mesenchymal tissues, both in homeostatic and regenerative conditions. By single cell RNA sequencing analysis, we showed that perivascular cells across the dental pulp and periodontal human tissues all express NOTCH3, and that these cells are important for the response to traumatic injuries in vivo in a transgenic mouse model. We further showed that the behavior of perivascular NOTCH3‐expressing stem cells could be modulated by cellular and molecular cues deriving from their microenvironments. Taken together, the present studies, reinforced by single‐cell analysis, reveal the pivotal importance of Notch signaling in the crosstalk between perivascular stem cells and their niches in tissue homeostasis and regeneration.

The role of biomineralization in disorders of skeletal development and tooth formation

The major mineralized tissues are bone and teeth, which share several mechanisms governing their development and mineralization. This crossover includes the hormones that regulate circulating calcium and phosphate concentrations, and the genes that regulate the differentiation and transdifferentiation of cells. In developing endochondral bone and in developing teeth, parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) acts in chondrocytes to delay terminal differentiation, thereby increasing the pool of precursor cells. Chondrocytes and (in specific circumstances) pre-odontoblasts can also transdifferentiate into osteoblasts. Moreover, bone and teeth share outcomes when affected by systemic disorders of mineral homeostasis or of the extracellular matrix, and by adverse effects of treatments such as bisphosphonates and fluoride. Unlike bone, teeth have more permanent effects from systemic disorders because they are not remodelled after they are formed. This Review discusses the normal processes of bone and tooth development, followed by disorders that have effects on both bone and teeth, versus disorders that have effects in one without affecting the other. The takeaway message is that bone specialists should know when to screen for dental disorders, just as dental specialists should recognize when a tooth disorder should raise suspicions about a possible underlying bone disorder.

Constitutive expression of spliced XBP1 causes perinatal lethality in mice

Upon endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE1) is activated and catalyzes nonconventional splicing of an unspliced X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1U) mRNA to yield a spliced XBP1 (XBP1S) mRNA that encodes a potent XBP1S transcription factor. XBP1S is a key mediator of the IRE1 branch that is essential for alleviating ER stress. We generated a novel mouse strain (referred to as "Xbp1^CS/+ " mice) that constitutively expressed XBP1S after Cre recombinase-mediated recombination. Further breeding of these mice with Twist2 Cre recombinase (Twist2-Cre) knock-in mice generated Twist2-Cre;Xbp1^CS/+ mice. Most Twist2-Cre;Xbp1^CS/+ mice died shortly after birth. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) showed that constitutive expression of XBP1S occurred in various mouse tissues examined, but not in the brain. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that although the immunostaining signals for total XBP1 (XBP1U and XBP1S) were found in the calvarial bones in both Twist2-Cre;Xbp1^CS/+ and control mice, the signals for XBP1S were only detected in the Twist2-Cre;Xbp1^CS/+ mice, but not in the control mice. These results suggest that a precise control of XBP1S production is essential for normal mouse development.

A single-cell atlas of human teeth

Teeth exert fundamental functions related to mastication and speech. Despite their great biomedical importance, an overall picture of their cellular and molecular composition is still missing. In this study, we have mapped the transcriptional landscape of the various cell populations that compose human teeth at single-cell resolution, and we analyzed in deeper detail their stem cell populations and their microenvironment. Our study identified great cellular heterogeneity in the dental pulp and the periodontium. Unexpectedly, we found that the molecular signatures of the stem cell populations were very similar, while their respective microenvironments strongly diverged. Our findings suggest that the microenvironmental specificity is a potential source for functional differences between highly similar stem cells located in the various tooth compartments and open new perspectives toward cell-based dental therapeutic approaches.

•

Dental atlas of the pulp and periodontal tissues of human teeth

•

Identification of three common MSC subclusters between dental pulp and periodontium

•

Dental pulp and periodontal MSCs are similar, and their niches diverge

Differential intolerance to loss of function and missense mutations in genes that encode human matricellular proteins

Targeted gene disruption in mice has provided valuable insights into the functions of matricellular proteins. Apart from missense and loss of function mutations that have been associated with inherited diseases, however, their functions in humans remain unclear. The availability of deep exome sequencing data from over 140,000 individuals in the Genome Aggregation Database provided an opportunity to examine intolerance to loss of function and missense mutations in human matricellular genes. The probability of loss-of-function intolerance (pLI) differed widely within members of the thrombospondin, CYR61/CTGF/NOV (CCN), tenascin, small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins (SIBLING), and secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) gene families. Notably, pLI values in humans had limited correlation with viability of the corresponding homozygous null mice. Among the thrombospondins, only THBS1 was highly loss-intolerant (pLI = 1). In contrast, Thbs1 is not essential for viability in mice. Several known thrombospondin-1 receptors were similarly loss-intolerant, although thrombospondin-1 is not the exclusive ligand for some of these receptors. The frequencies of missense mutations in THBS1 and the gene encoding its signaling receptor CD47 indicated conservation of some residues implicated in specific receptor binding. Deficits in missense mutations were also observed for other thrombospondin genes and for SPARC, SPOCK1, SPOCK2, TNR, and DSPP. The intolerance of THBS1 to loss of function in humans and elevated pLI values for THBS2, SPARC, SPOCK1, TNR, and CCN1 support important functions for these matricellular protein genes in humans, some of which may relate to functions in reproduction or responding to environmental stresses.

Primary observation of the role of posttranslational modification of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) on postnatal development of mandibular condyle in mice

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to observe the posttranslational role of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) on postnatal development of mandibular condyle in mice.

METHODS

To explore the function of full-length DSPP, four groups of mice were employed: (1) wild type (WT) mice; (2)Dspp knockout (Dspp KO) mice; (3) mice expressing the normal DSPP transgene in the Dspp KO background (Dspp KO/normal Tg); (4) mice expressing the uncleavable full-length DSPP in the Dspp KO background (Dspp KO/D452A Tg). Firstly, Plain X-ray Radiography and Micro-computed Tomography were used to observe the condylar morphology changes of Dspp KO/D452A Tg mice in comparison with the other three groups. Then, Hematoxylin & eosin and toluidine blue staining were applied to uncover the histological changes of mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC) of Dspp KO/D452A Tg mice. To explore the function of the NH2-terminal fragments (i.e. DSP/DSP-PG), three groups of mice were employed: (1) WT mice; (2) Dspp KO mice; (3) mice expressing the NH2-terminal fragments of DSPP in the Dspp-null background (Dspp KO/DSP Tg). The former strategies were utilized to examine the differences of condylar morphology and histological structures changes within three groups of mice.

RESULTS

Transgenic full-length DSPP partially maintained mandibular condylar morphology and MCC thickness of Dspp KO mice. Transgenic DSP failed to do so, but led to smaller mandibular condyle and disordered cartilage structure.

CONCLUSIONS

Our observations provide insight into the role of posttranslational modification of DSPP in the postnatal development of healthy MCC and maintenance of condylar morphology.

Haploinsufficiency of Dspp Gene Causes Dentin Dysplasia Type II in Mice

Dentin dysplasia (DD) and dentinogenesis imperfecta (DGI) patients have abnormal structure, morphology, and function of dentin. DD-II, DGI-II, and DGI-III are caused by heterozygous mutations in the dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) gene in humans. Evidences have shown that loss of function of DSPP in Dspp knockout mice leads to phenotypes similar to DGI-III, and that the abnormal dentinogenesis is associated with decreased levels of DSPP, indicating that DSPP haploinsufficiency may play a role in dentinogenesis. Thus, to testify the haploinsufficiency of Dspp, we used a Dspp heterozygous mouse model to observe the phenotypes in the teeth and the surrounding tissues. We found that Dspp heterozygous mice displayed dentin phenotypes similar to DD-II at the ages of 12 and 18 months, which was characterized by excessive attrition of the enamel at the occlusal surfaces, thicker floor dentin of the pulp chamber, decreased pulp volume, and compromised mineralization of the dentin. In addition, the periodontium was also affected, exhibiting apical proliferation of the junctional epithelium, decreased height and width of the alveolar bone, and infiltration of the inflammatory cells, leading to the destruction of the periodontium. Both the dental and periodontal phenotypes were age-dependent, which were more severe at 18 months old than those at 12 months old. Our report is the first to claim the haploinsufficiency of Dspp gene and a DD-II mouse model, which can be further used to study the molecular mechanisms of DD-II.

Noggin inhibition of mouse dentinogenesis

OBJECTIVES

The Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) direct tooth development and still express in the adult tooth. We hypothesized that inhibition of BMP function would therefore disrupt dentinogenesis by differentiated odontoblasts.

METHODS

We generated mice overexpressing the BMP-inhibitory protein Noggin in differentiated odontoblasts and osteocytes under control of a Dmp1 promoter-driven cre transgene. We compared the dentin phenotype in these mice with that in WT littermates and in mice with a Smad4 odontoblast/osteocyte knockout mediated by the same cre and therefore lacking all BMP and Tgfβ signaling in the same tissues.

RESULTS

Three-month-old first molars from both Noggin-expressing and Smad4-deleted mice showed decreased dentin volume with enlarged pulp cavities, and both displayed less organized and mineralized dentinal tubules compared to WT. The Smad4-ablated phenotype was more severe. While dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and bone sialoprotein (BSP) were decreased in the dentin of both lines, dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) was sharply increased in Noggin-expressing teeth.

CONCLUSIONS

The phenotypes we observed in Noggin-overexpressing and Smad4-conditional knockout teeth resemble the phenotype of Dentinogenesis Imperfecta (DGI) type III. Our results show that BMPs regulate post-natal dentinogenesis and that BMP-inhibitory proteins like Noggin play a role in that regulation. The increased severity of the Smad4 phenotype indicates that Tgfβ ligands, in addition to BMPs, play a crucial role in post-developmental dentinogenesis.

FAM20A is essential for amelogenesis, but is dispensable for dentinogenesis

Mutations in the gene encoding family with sequence similarity 20, member A (FAM20A) caused amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), in humans. However, the roles of FAM20A in amelogenesis and dentinogenesis are poorly understood. In this study, we generated a Fam20a knockout (Sox2-Cre;Fam20a^fl/fl) mouse model by crossing Fam20a^fl/fl mice with Sox2-Cre transgenic mice, in which Fam20a was ablated in both dental epithelium and dental mesenchyme. We found that these mice developed an enamel phenotype that resembles human AI associated with FAM20A mutations, but did not have apparent dentin defects. The secretory stage ameloblasts in the mandibular incisors from the Sox2-Cre;Fam20a^fl/fl mice were shorter and detached from the enamel matrix, and subsequently lost their polarity, became disorganized and formed numerous spherical extracellular matrices in place of normal enamel. At the molecular level, the Sox2-Cre;Fam20a^fl/fl mice displayed dramatically reduced expression levels of the genes encoding the enamel matrix proteins, but unaltered levels of the genes encoding the dentin matrix proteins. Moreover, Fam20a ablation resulted in a great decrease in FAM20C protein level, but it did not alter the intracellular localization of FAM20C protein in ameloblasts and odontoblasts. These results indicate that FAM20A is essential for amelogenesis, but is dispensable for dentinogenesis.