Origin, splicing, and expression of rodent amelogenin exon 8

Splicing mutations in AMELX and ENAM cause amelogenesis imperfecta

BACKGROUND

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a developmental enamel defect affecting the structure of enamel, esthetic appearance, and the tooth masticatory function. Gene mutations are reported to be relevant to AI. However, the mechanism underlying AI caused by different mutations is still unclear. This study aimed to reveal the molecular pathogenesis in AI families with 2 novel pre-mRNA splicing mutations.

METHODS

Two Chinese families with AI were recruited. Whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify mutations in candidate genes. Minigene splicing assays were performed to analyze the mutation effects on mRNA splicing alteration. Furthermore, three-dimensional structures of mutant proteins were predicted by AlphaFold2 to evaluate the detrimental effect.

RESULTS

The affected enamel in family 1 was thin, rough, and stained, which was diagnosed as hypoplastic-hypomature AI. Genomic analysis revealed a novel splicing mutation (NM_001142.2: c.570 + 1G > A) in the intron 6 of amelogenin (AMELX) gene in family 1, resulting in a partial intron 6 retention effect. The proband in family 2 exhibited a typical hypoplastic AI, and the splicing mutation (NM_031889.2: c.123 + 4 A > G) in the intron 4 of enamelin (ENAM) gene was observed in the proband and her father. This mutation led to exon 4 skipping. The predicted structures showed that there were obvious differences in the mutation proteins compared with wild type, leading to impaired function of mutant proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we identified two new splicing mutations in AMELX and ENAM genes, which cause hypoplastic-hypomature and hypoplastic AI, respectively. These results expand the spectrum of genes causing AI and broaden our understanding of molecular genetic pathology of enamel formation.

Leucine rich amelogenin peptide prevents ovariectomy-induced bone loss in mice

Amelogenins, major extra cellular matrix proteins of developing tooth enamel, are predominantly expressed by ameloblasts and play significant roles in the formation of enamel. Recently, amelogenin has been detected in various epithelial and mesenchymal tissues, implicating that it might have distinct functions in various tissues. We have previously reported that leucine rich amelogenin peptide (LRAP), one of the alternate splice forms of amelogenin, regulates receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand (RANKL) expression in cementoblast/periodontal ligament cells, suggesting that the amelogenins, especially LRAP, might function as a signaling molecule in bone metabolism. The objective of this study was to identify and define LRAP functions in bone turnover. We engineered transgenic (TgLRAP) mice using a murine 2.3kb α1(I)-collagen promoter to drive expression of a transgene consisting of LRAP, an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) to study functions of LRAP in bone formation and resorption. Calvarial cell cultures from the TgLRAP mice showed increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and increased formation of mineralized nodules compared to the cells derived from wild-type (WT) mice. The TgLRAP calvarial cells also showed an inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Gene expression comparison by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) in calvarial cells indicated that bone formation makers such as Runx2, Alp, and osteocalcin were increased in TgLRAP compared to the WT cells. Meanwhile, Rankl expression was decreased in the TgLRAP cells in vitro. The ovariectomized (OVX) TgLRAP mice resisted bone loss induced by ovariectomy resulting in higher bone mineral density in comparison to OVX WT mice. The quantitative analysis of calcein intakes indicated that the ovariectomy resulted in increased bone formation in both WT and TgLRAP mice; OVX TgLRAP appeared to show the most remarkably increased bone formation. The parameters for bone resorption in tissue sections showed increased number of osteoclasts in OVX WT, but not in OVX TgLRAP over that of sham operated WT or TgLRAP mice, supporting the observed bone phenotypes in OVX mice. This is the first report identifying that LRAP, one of the amelogenin splice variants, affects bone turnover in vivo.

Tooth Enamel and its Dynamic Protein Matrix

Tooth enamel is the outer covering of tooth crowns, the hardest material in the mammalian body, yet fracture resistant. The extremely high content of 95 wt% calcium phosphate in healthy adult teeth is achieved through mineralization of a proteinaceous matrix that changes in abundance and composition. Enamel-specific proteins and proteases are known to be critical for proper enamel formation. Recent proteomics analyses revealed many other proteins with their roles in enamel formation yet to be unraveled. Although the exact protein composition of healthy tooth enamel is still unknown, it is apparent that compromised enamel deviates in amount and composition of its organic material. Why these differences affect both the mineralization process before tooth eruption and the properties of erupted teeth will become apparent as proteomics protocols are adjusted to the variability between species, tooth size, sample size and ephemeral organic content of forming teeth. This review summarizes the current knowledge and published proteomics data of healthy and diseased tooth enamel, including advancements in forensic applications and disease models in animals. A summary and discussion of the status quo highlights how recent proteomics findings advance our understating of the complexity and temporal changes of extracellular matrix composition during tooth enamel formation.

Alteration of Exon Definition Causes Amelogenesis Imperfecta

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a collection of genetic disorders affecting the quality and/or quantity of tooth enamel. More than 20 genes are, so far, known to be responsible for this condition. In this study, we recruited 3 Turkish families with hypomaturation AI. Whole-exome sequence analyses identified disease-causing mutations in each proband, and these mutations cosegregated with the AI phenotype in all recruited members of each family. The AI-causing mutations in family 1 were a novel AMELX mutation [NM_182680.1:c.143T>C, p.(Leu48Ser)] in the proband and a novel homozygous MMP20 mutation [NM_004771.3:c.616G>A, p.(Asp206Asn)] in the mother of the proband. Previously reported compound heterozygous MMP20 mutations [NM_004771.3:c.103A>C, p.(Arg35=) and c.389C>T, p.(Thr130Ile)] caused the AI in family 2 and family 3. Minigene splicing analyses revealed that the AMELX missense mutation increased exonic definition of exon 4 and the MMP20 synonymous mutation decreased exonic definition of exon 1. These mutations would trigger an alteration of exon usage during RNA splicing, causing the enamel malformations. These results broaden our understanding of molecular genetic pathology of tooth enamel formation.

Identification of major matrix metalloproteinase-20 proteolytic processing products of murine amelogenin and tyrosine-rich amelogenin peptide using a nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy based method

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify major matrix metalloproteinase-20 (MMP20) proteolytic processing products of amelogenin over time and determine if the tyrosine-rich amelogenin peptide (TRAP) was a substrate of MMP20.

DESIGN

Recombinant¹⁵N-labeled murine amelogenin and ¹³C,¹⁵N-labeled TRAP were incubated with MMP20 under conditions where amelogenin self-assembles into nanospheres. Digestion products were fractionated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography at various time points. Product identification took advantage of the intrinsic disorder property of amelogenin that results in little change to its fingerprint ¹H-¹⁵N heteronuclear single-quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum in 2% acetic acid upon removing parts of the protein, allowing cleavage site identification by observing which amide cross peaks disappear.

RESULTS

The primary product in five out of the six major reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography bands generated after a 24 h incubation of murine amelogenin with MMP20 were: S55-L163, P2-L147, P2-E162, P2-A167, and P2-R176. After 72 h these products were replaced with five major reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography bands containing: L46-A170, P2-S152, P2-F151, P2-W45, and short N-terminal peptides. TRAP was completely digested by MMP20 into multiple small peptides with the initial primary site of cleavage between S16 and Y17.

CONCLUSIONS

Identification of the major MMP20 proteolytic products of amelogenin confirm a dynamic process, with sites towards the C-terminus more rapidly attacked than sites near the N-terminus. This observation is consistent with nanosphere models where the C-terminus is exposed and the N-terminus more protected. One previously reported end-product of the MMP20 proteolytic processing of amelogenin, TRAP, is shown to be an in vitro substrate for MMP20.

Phosphorylated and Non-phosphorylated Leucine Rich Amelogenin Peptide Differentially Affect Ameloblast Mineralization

The Leucine Rich Amelogenin Peptide (LRAP) is a product of alternative splicing of the amelogenin gene. As full length amelogenin, LRAP has been shown, in precipitation experiments, to regulate hydroxyapatite (HAP) crystal formation depending on its phosphorylation status. However, very few studies have questioned the impact of its phosphorylation status on enamel mineralization in biological models. Therefore, we have analyzed the effect of phosphorylated (+P) or non-phosphorylated (−P) LRAP on enamel formation in ameloblast-like cell lines and ex vivo cultures of murine postnatal day 1 molar germs. To this end, the mineral formed was analyzed by micro-computed tomography, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Selected Area Electon Diffraction imaging. Amelogenin gene transcription was evaluated by qPCR analysis. Our data show that, in both cells and germ cultures, LRAP is able to induce an up-regulation of amelogenin transcription independently of its phosphorylation status. Mineral formation is promoted by LRAP(+P) in all models, while LRAP(–P) essentially affects HAP crystal formation through an increase in crystal length and organization in ameloblast-like cells. Altogether, these data suggest a differential effect of LRAP depending on its phosphorylation status and on the ameloblast stage at the time of treatment. Therefore, LRAP isoforms can be envisioned as potential candidates for treatment of enamel lesions or defects and their action should be further evaluated in pathological models.

Dose-Dependent Rescue of KO Amelogenin Enamel by Transgenes in Vivo

Mice lacking amelogenin (KO) have hypoplastic enamel. Overexpression of the most abundant amelogenin splice variant M180 and LRAP transgenes can substantially improve KO enamel, but only ~40% of the incisor thickness is recovered and the prisms are not as tightly woven as in WT enamel. This implies that the compositional complexity of the enamel matrix is required for different aspects of enamel formation, such as organizational structure and thickness. The question arises, therefore, how important the ratio of different matrix components, and in particular amelogenin splice products, is in enamel formation. Can optimal expression levels of amelogenin transgenes representing both the most abundant splice variants and cleavage product at protein levels similar to that of WT improve the enamel phenotype of KO mice? Addressing this question, our objective was here to understand dosage effects of amelogenin transgenes (Tg) representing the major splice variants M180 and LRAP and cleavage product CTRNC on enamel properties. Amelogenin KO mice were mated with M180Tg, CTRNCTg and LRAPTg mice to generate M180Tg and CTRNCTg double transgene and M180Tg, CTRNCTg, LRAPTg triple transgene mice with transgene hemizygosity (on one allelle) or homozygosity (on both alleles). Transgene homo- vs. hemizygosity was determined by qPCR and relative transgene expression confirmed by Western blot. Enamel volume and mineral density were analyzed by microCT, thickness and structure by SEM, and mechanical properties by Vickers microhardness testing. There were no differences in incisor enamel thickness between amelogenin KO mice with three or two different transgenes, but mice homozygous for a given transgene had significantly thinner enamel than mice hemizygous for the transgene (p < 0.05). The presence of the LRAPTg did not improve the phenotype of M180Tg/CTRNCTg/KO enamel. In the absence of endogenous amelogenin, the addition of amelogenin transgenes representing the most abundant splice variants and cleavage product can rescue abnormal enamel properties and structure, but only up to a maximum of ~80% that of molar and ~40% that of incisor wild-type enamel.

DENTAL ENAMEL FORMATION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ORAL HEALTH AND DISEASE

Dental enamel is the hardest and most mineralized tissue in extinct and extant vertebrate species and provides maximum durability that allows teeth to function as weapons and/or tools as well as for food processing. Enamel development and mineralization is an intricate process tightly regulated by cells of the enamel organ called ameloblasts. These heavily polarized cells form a monolayer around the developing enamel tissue and move as a single forming front in specified directions as they lay down a proteinaceous matrix that serves as a template for crystal growth. Ameloblasts maintain intercellular connections creating a semi-permeable barrier that at one end (basal/proximal) receives nutrients and ions from blood vessels, and at the opposite end (secretory/apical/distal) forms extracellular crystals within specified pH conditions. In this unique environment, ameloblasts orchestrate crystal growth via multiple cellular activities including modulating the transport of minerals and ions, pH regulation, proteolysis, and endocytosis. In many vertebrates, the bulk of the enamel tissue volume is first formed and subsequently mineralized by these same cells as they retransform their morphology and function. Cell death by apoptosis and regression are the fates of many ameloblasts following enamel maturation, and what cells remain of the enamel organ are shed during tooth eruption, or are incorporated into the tooth's epithelial attachment to the oral gingiva. In this review, we examine key aspects of dental enamel formation, from its developmental genesis to the ever-increasing wealth of data on the mechanisms mediating ionic transport, as well as the clinical outcomes resulting from abnormal ameloblast function.

Enamel ribbons, surface nodules, and octacalcium phosphate in C57BL/6 Amelx-/- mice and Amelx+/- lyonization

BACKGROUND

Amelogenin is required for normal enamel formation and is the most abundant protein in developing enamel.

METHODS

Amelx^+/+, Amelx^+/- , and Amelx^-/- molars and incisors from C57BL/6 mice were characterized using RT-PCR, Western blotting, dissecting and light microscopy, immunohistochemistry (IHC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), backscattered SEM (bSEM), nanohardness testing, and X-ray diffraction.

RESULTS

No amelogenin protein was detected by Western blot analyses of enamel extracts from Amelx^-/- mice. Amelx^-/- incisor enamel averaged 20.3 ± 3.3 μm in thickness, or only 1/6th that of the wild type (122.3 ± 7.9 μm). Amelx^-/- incisor enamel nanohardness was 1.6 Gpa, less than half that of wild-type enamel (3.6 Gpa). Amelx^+/- incisors and molars showed vertical banding patterns unique to each tooth. IHC detected no amelogenin in Amelx^-/- enamel and varied levels of amelogenin in Amelx^+/- incisors, which correlated positively with enamel thickness, strongly supporting lyonization as the cause of the variations in enamel thickness. TEM analyses showed characteristic mineral ribbons in Amelx^+/+ and Amelx^-/- enamel extending from mineralized dentin collagen to the ameloblast. The Amelx^-/- enamel ribbons were not well separated by matrix and appeared to fuse together, forming plates. X-ray diffraction determined that the predominant mineral in Amelx^-/- enamel is octacalcium phosphate (not calcium hydroxyapatite). Amelx^-/- ameloblasts were similar to wild-type ameloblasts except no Tomes' processes extended into the thin enamel. Amelx^-/- and Amelx^+/- molars both showed calcified nodules on their occlusal surfaces. Histology of D5 and D11 developing molars showed nodules forming during the maturation stage.

CONCLUSION

Amelogenin forms a resorbable matrix that separates and supports, but does not shape early secretory-stage enamel ribbons. Amelogenin may facilitate the conversion of enamel ribbons into hydroxyapatite by inhibiting the formation of octacalcium phosphate. Amelogenin is necessary for thickening the enamel layer, which helps maintain ribbon organization and development and maintenance of the Tomes' process.

Amelogenin Exon4 Forms a Novel miRNA That Directs Ameloblast and Osteoblast Differentiation

Amelogenins constitute the major portion of secretory enamel matrix proteins and are known to be highly alternative spliced. Of all the alternatively spliced forms of amelogenins, exon4 is most commonly spliced out. Our analyses of the exon4 sequence led us to hypothesize that when spliced out, exon4 may generate a novel mature miRNA. To explore this possibility, we used in vivo mouse models (wild-type and Amel knockout mice) and in vitro cell culture to investigate the presence and function of a mature miRNA derived from exon4 (miR-exon4). When ameloblast-like cells (LS8) were transfected with an amelogenin minigene to increase amelogenin synthesis, the transfected cells synthesized miR-exon4. Introduction of a mutation in the conserved CNNC sequence required for primary miRNA recognition, downstream of the mature miR-exon4 sequence, resulted in a significantly reduced production of miR-exon4 in the transfected cells. In vivo, miR-exon4 was most highly amplified from wild-type mouse enamel organs at the secretory stage. In Amel knockout mice, an in vivo model for reduced amelogenin synthesis, we found reduced miR-exon4, with no changes in expression of enamel matrix-related genes. However, expression of Runx2 and its downstream genes Odam and Amtn were significantly downregulated. Transfection of miR-exon4 mimic to the LS8 cells also significantly upregulated Runx2. The mature miR-exon4 as well as Runx2 was also present in mouse osteoblasts with no apparent change in expression level between wild-type and Amel knockout mice. However, transfecting miR-exon4 inhibitor to the MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells resulted in a significant downregulation of Runx2 expression. These data indicate that when exon4 is spliced out, as occurs most of the time during alternative splicing of amelogenin pre-mRNA, a novel mature miRNA is generated from exon4. This miR-exon4 may contribute to the differentiation of ameloblasts and osteoblasts through regulation of Runx2 expression.

Truncated amelogenin and LRAP transgenes improve Amelx null mouse enamel

Amelogenin is the most abundant enamel protein involved in enamel mineralization. Our goal was to determine whether all three regions of amelogenin (N-terminus, C-terminus, central core) are required for enamel formation. Amelogenin RNA is alternatively spliced, resulting in at least 16 different amelogenin isoforms in mice, with M180 and LRAP expressed most abundantly. Soon after secretion by ameloblasts, M180 is cleaved by MMP20 resulting in C-terminal truncated (CTRNC) amelogenin. We aimed to determine whether the 2 transgenes (Tg), LRAP and CTRNC together, can improve LRAPTg/Amelx-/- and CTRNCTg/Amelx-/- enamel thickness and prism organization, which were not rescued in Amelx-/- enamel. We generated CTRNCTg/LRAPTg/Amelx-/- mice and analyzed developing and mature incisor and molar enamel histologically, by microCT, SEM and microhardness testing. CTRNCTg and LRAPTg overexpression together significantly improved the enamel phenotype of LRAPTg/Amelx-/- and CTRNCTg/Amelx-/- mouse enamel, however enamel microhardness was recovered only when M180Tg was expressed, alone or with LRAPTg. We determined that both LRAP and CTRNC, which together express all three regions of the amelogenin protein (N-terminus, C-terminus and hydrophobic core) contribute to the final enamel thickness and prism organization in mice.

Genetic comparisons yield insight into the evolution of enamel thickness during human evolution

Enamel thickness varies substantially among extant hominoids and is a key trait with significance for interpreting dietary adaptation, life history trajectory, and phylogenetic relationships. There is a strong link in humans between enamel formation and mutations in the exons of the four genes that code for the enamel matrix proteins and the associated protease. The evolution of thick enamel in humans may have included changes in the regulation of these genes during tooth development. The cis-regulatory region in the 5' flank (upstream non-coding region) of MMP20, which codes for enamelysin, the predominant protease active during enamel secretion, has previously been shown to be under strong positive selection in the lineages leading to both humans and chimpanzees. Here we examine evidence for positive selection in the 5' flank and 3' flank of AMELX, AMBN, ENAM, and MMP20. We contrast the human sequence changes with other hominoids (chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, gibbons) and rhesus macaques (outgroup), a sample comprising a range of enamel thickness. We find no evidence for positive selection in the protein-coding regions of any of these genes. In contrast, we find strong evidence for positive selection in the 5' flank region of MMP20 and ENAM along the lineage leading to humans, and in both the 5' flank and 3' flank regions of MMP20 along the lineage leading to chimpanzees. We also identify putative transcription factor binding sites overlapping some of the species-specific nucleotide sites and we refine which sections of the up- and downstream putative regulatory regions are most likely to harbor important changes. These non-coding changes and their potential for differential regulation by transcription factors known to regulate tooth development may offer insight into the mechanisms that allow for rapid evolutionary changes in enamel thickness across closely-related species, and contribute to our understanding of the enamel phenotype in hominoids.

Matrix metalloproteinase-20 over-expression is detrimental to enamel development: a Mus musculus model

Background

Matrix metalloproteinase-20 (Mmp20) ablated mice have enamel that is thin and soft with an abnormal rod pattern that abrades from the underlying dentin. We asked if introduction of transgenes expressing Mmp20 would revert this Mmp20 null phenotype back to normal. Unexpectedly, for transgenes expressing medium or high levels of Mmp20, we found opposite enamel phenotypes depending on the genetic background (Mmp20^−/− or Mmp20^+/+) in which the transgenes were expressed.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Amelx-promoter-Mmp20 transgenic founder mouse lines were assessed for transgene expression and those expressing low, medium or high levels of Mmp20 were selected for breeding into the Mmp20 null background. Regardless of expression level, each transgene brought the null enamel back to full thickness. However, the high and medium expressing Mmp20 transgenes in the Mmp20 null background had significantly harder more mineralized enamel than did the low transgene expresser. Strikingly, when the high and medium expressing Mmp20 transgenes were present in the wild-type background, the enamel was significantly less well mineralized than normal. Protein gel analysis of enamel matrix proteins from the high and medium expressing transgenes present in the wild-type background demonstrated that greater than normal amounts of cleavage products and smaller quantities of higher molecular weight proteins were present within their enamel matrices.

Conclusions/Significance

Mmp20 expression levels must be within a specific range for normal enamel development to occur. Creation of a normally thick enamel layer may occur over a wider range of Mmp20 expression levels, but acquisition of normal enamel hardness has a narrower range. Since over-expression of Mmp20 results in decreased enamel hardness, this suggests that a balance exists between cleaved and full-length enamel matrix proteins that are essential for formation of a properly hardened enamel layer. It also suggests that few feedback controls are present in the enamel matrix to prevent excessive MMP20 activity.

Dental enamel development: proteinases and their enamel matrix substrates

This review focuses on recent discoveries and delves in detail about what is known about each of the proteins (amelogenin, ameloblastin, and enamelin) and proteinases (matrix metalloproteinase-20 and kallikrein-related peptidase-4) that are secreted into the enamel matrix. After an overview of enamel development, this review focuses on these enamel proteins by describing their nomenclature, tissue expression, functions, proteinase activation, and proteinase substrate specificity. These proteins and their respective null mice and human mutations are also evaluated to shed light on the mechanisms that cause nonsyndromic enamel malformations termed amelogenesis imperfecta. Pertinent controversies are addressed. For example, do any of these proteins have a critical function in addition to their role in enamel development? Does amelogenin initiate crystallite growth, does it inhibit crystallite growth in width and thickness, or does it do neither? Detailed examination of the null mouse literature provides unmistakable clues and/or answers to these questions, and this data is thoroughly analyzed. Striking conclusions from this analysis reveal that widely held paradigms of enamel formation are inadequate. The final section of this review weaves the recent data into a plausible new mechanism by which these enamel matrix proteins support and promote enamel development.

Alternative Splicing of the Amelogenin Gene in a Caudate Amphibian, Plethodon cinereus

As the major enamel matrix protein contributing to tooth development, amelogenin has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in tooth enamel formation. Previous studies have revealed amelogenin alternative splicing as a mechanism for amelogenin heterogeneous expression in mammals. While amelogenin and its splicing forms in mammalian vertebrates have been characterized, splicing variants of amelogenin gene still remains largely unknown in non-mammalian species. Here, using PCR and sequence analysis we discovered two novel amelogenin transcript variants in tooth organ extracts from a caudate amphibian, the salamander Plethodoncinereus. The one was shorter -S- (416 nucleotides including untranslated regions, 5 exons) and the other larger -L- (851 nt, 7 exons) than the previously published “normal” gene in this species -M- (812 nucleotides, 6 exons). This is the first report demonstrating the amelogenin alternative splicing in amphibian, revealing a unique exon 2b and two novel amelogenin gene transcripts in Plethodoncinereus.

Enamel proteins and proteases in Mmp20 and Klk4 null and double-null mice

Matrix metalloproteinase 20 (MMP20) and kallikrein-related peptidase 4 (KLK4) are thought to be necessary to clear proteins from the enamel matrix of developing teeth. We characterized Mmp20 and Klk4 null mice to better understand their roles in matrix degradation and removal. Histological examination showed retained organic matrix in Mmp20, Klk4, and Mmp20/Klk4 double-null mouse enamel matrix, but not in the wild-type. X-gal histostaining of Mmp20 null mice heterozygous for the Klk4 knockout/lacZ knockin showed that Klk4 is expressed normally in the Mmp20 null background. This finding was corroborated by zymogram and western blotting, which discovered a 40-kDa protease induced in the maturation stage of Mmp20 null mice. Proteins were extracted from secretory-stage or maturation-stage maxillary first molars from wild-type, Mmp20 null, Klk4 null, and Mmp20/Klk4 double-null mice and were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and western blotting. Only intact amelogenins and ameloblastin were observed in secretory-stage enamel of Mmp20 null mice, whereas the secretory-stage matrix from Klk4 null mice was identical to the matrix from wild-type mice. More residual matrix was observed in the double-null mice compared with either of the single-null mice. These results support the importance of MMP20 during the secretory stage and of KLK4 during the maturation stage and show there is only limited functional redundancy for these enzymes.

Evolutionary story of mammalian-specific amelogenin exons 4, "4b", 8, and 9

Amelogenin gene organization varies from 6 exons (1,2,3,5,6,7) in amphibians and sauropsids to 10 in rodents. The additional exons are exons 4, 8, 9, and "4b", the latter being as yet unidentified in AMELX transcripts. To learn more about the evolutionary origin of these exons, we used an in silico approach to find them in 39 tetrapod genomes. AMEL organization with 6 exons was the ancestral condition. Exon 4 was created in an ancestral therian (marsupials + placentals), then exon 9 in an ancestral placental, and finally exons "4b" and 8 in rodents, after divergence of the squirrel lineage. These exons were either inactivated in some lineages or remained functional: Exon 4 is functional from artiodactyls onward; exon 9 is known, to date, only in rodents, but could be coding in various mammals; and exon "4b" was probably coding in some rodents. We performed PCR of cDNA isolated from mouse and human tooth buds to identify the presence of these transcripts. A sequence analogous to exon "4b", and to exon 9, could not be amplified from the respective tooth cDNA, indicating that even though sequences similar to these exons are present, they are not transcribed in these species.

Amelogenins: Multi-Functional Enamel Matrix Proteins and Their Binding Partners

Amelogenins are the most abundant extracellular matrix proteins secreted by ameloblasts during tooth development and are important for enamel formation. Recently, amelogenins have been detected not only in ameloblasts, which are differentiated from the epithelial cell lineage, but also in other tissues, including mesenchymal tissues at low levels, suggesting that amelogenins possess other functions in these tissues. The therapeutic application of an enamel matrix derivative rich in amelogenins resulted in the regeneration of cementum, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament (PDL) in the treatment of experimental or human periodontitis, indicating the attractive potential of amelogenin in hard tissue formation. In addition, a full-length amelogenin (M180) and leucine-rich amelogenin peptide (LRAP) regulate cementoblast/PDL cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Interestingly, amelogenin null mice show increased osteoclastogenesis and root resorption in periodontal tissues. Recombinant amelogenin proteins suppress osteoclastogenesis in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that amelogenin is involved in preventing idiopathic root resorption. Amelogenins are implicated in tissue-specific epithelial-mesenchymal or mesenchymal-mesenchymal signaling; however, the precise molecular mechanism has not been characterized. In this review, we first discuss the emerging evidence for the additional roles of M180 and LRAP as signaling molecules in mesenchymal cells. Next, we show the results of a yeast two-hybrid assay aimed at identifying protein-binding partners for LRAP. We believe that gaining further insights into the signaling pathway modulated by the multifunctional amelogenin proteins will lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches for treating dental diseases and disorders.

An amelogenin mutation leads to disruption of the odontogenic apparatus and aberrant expression of Notch1

BACKGROUND

Amelogenins are highly conserved proteins secreted by ameloblasts in the dental organ of developing teeth. These proteins regulate dental enamel thickness and structure in humans and mice. Mice that express an amelogenin transgene with a P70T mutation (TgP70T) develop abnormal epithelial proliferation in an amelogenin null (KO) background. Some of these cellular masses have the appearance of proliferating stratum intermedium, which is the layer adjacent to the ameloblasts in unerupted teeth. As Notch proteins are thought to constitute the developmental switch that separates ameloblasts from stratum intermedium, these signaling proteins were evaluated in normal and proliferating tissues.

METHODS

Mandibles were dissected for histology and immunohistochemistry using Notch1 antibodies. Molar teeth were dissected for western blotting and RT-PCR for evaluation of Notch levels through imaging and statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Notch1 was immunolocalized to ameloblasts of TgP70TKO mice, KO ameloblasts stained, but less strongly, and wild-type teeth had minimal staining. Cells within the proliferating epithelial cell masses were positive for Notch1 and had an appearance reminiscent of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor with amyloid-like deposits. Notch1 protein and mRNA were elevated in molar teeth from TgP70TKO mice.

CONCLUSION

Expression of TgP70T leads to abnormal structures in mandibles and maxillae of mice with the KO genetic background and these mice have elevated levels of Notch 1 in developing molars. As cells within the masses also express transgenic amelogenins, development of the abnormal proliferations suggests communication between amelogenin producing cells and the proliferating cells, dependent on the presence of the mutated amelogenin protein.

A simplified genetic design for mammalian enamel

A biomimetic replacement for tooth enamel is urgently needed because dental caries is the most prevalent infectious disease to affect man. Here, design specifications for an enamel replacement material inspired by Nature are deployed for testing in an animal model. Using genetic engineering we created a simplified enamel protein matrix precursor where only one, rather than dozens of amelogenin isoforms, contributed to enamel formation. Enamel function and architecture were unaltered, but the balance between the competing materials properties of hardness and toughness was modulated. While the other amelogenin isoforms make a modest contribution to optimal biomechanical design, the enamel made with only one amelogenin isoform served as a functional substitute. Where enamel has been lost to caries or trauma a suitable biomimetic replacement material could be fabricated using only one amelogenin isoform, thereby simplifying the protein matrix parameters by one order of magnitude.

The amelogenin C-terminus is required for enamel development

The abundant amelogenin proteins are responsible for generating proper enamel thickness and structure, and most amelogenins include a conserved hydrophilic C-terminus. To evaluate the importance of the C-terminus, we generated transgenic mice that express an amelogenin lacking the C-terminal 13 amino acids (CTRNC). MicroCT analysis of TgCTRNC29 teeth (low transgene number) indicated that molar enamel density was similar to that of wild-type mice, but TgCTRNC18 molar enamel (high transgene number) was deficient, indicating that extra transgene copies were associated with a more severe phenotype. When amelogenin-null (KO) and TgCTRNC transgenic mice were mated, density and volume of molar enamel from TgCTRNCKO offspring were not different from those of KO mice, indicating that neither TgCTRNC18 nor TgCTRNC29 rescued enamel's physical characteristics. Because transgenic full-length amelogenin partially rescues both density and volume of KO molar enamel, it was concluded that the amelogenin C-terminus is essential for proper enamel density, volume, and organization.

Partial rescue of the amelogenin null dental enamel phenotype

The amelogenins are the most abundant secreted proteins in developing dental enamel. Enamel from amelogenin (Amelx) null mice is hypoplastic and disorganized, similar to that observed in X-linked forms of the human enamel defect amelogenesis imperfecta resulting from amelogenin gene mutations. Both transgenic strains that express the most abundant amelogenin (TgM180) have relatively normal enamel, but strains of mice that express a mutated amelogenin (TgP70T), which leads to amelogenesis imperfecta in humans, have heterogeneous enamel structures. When Amelx null (KO) mice were mated with transgenic mice that produce M180 (TgM180), the resultant TgM180KO offspring showed evidence of rescue in enamel thickness, mineral density, and volume in molar teeth. Rescue was not observed in the molars from the TgP70TKO mice. It was concluded that a single amelogenin protein was able to significantly rescue the KO phenotype and that one amino acid change abrogated this function during development.

The Origin and Evolution of Enamel Mineralization Genes

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Enamel and enameloid were identified in early jawless vertebrates, about 500 million years ago (MYA). This suggests that enamel matrix proteins (EMPs) have at least the same age. We review the current data on the origin, evolution and relationships of enamel mineralization genes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Three EMPs are secreted by ameloblasts during enamel formation: amelogenin (AMEL), ameloblastin (AMBN) and enamelin (ENAM). Recently, two new genes, amelotin (AMTN) and odontogenic ameloblast associated (ODAM), were found to be expressed by ameloblasts during maturation, increasing the group of ameloblast-secreted proteins to five members. The evolutionary analysis of these five genes indicates that they are related: AMEL is derived from AMBN, AMTN and ODAM are sister genes, and all are derived from ENAM. Using molecular dating, we showed that AMBN/AMEL duplication occurred >600 MYA. The large sequence dataset available for mammals and reptiles was used to study AMEL evolution. In the N- and C-terminal regions, numerous residues were unchanged during >200 million years, suggesting that they are important for the proper function of the protein.

CONCLUSION

The evolutionary analysis of AMEL led to propose a dataset that will be useful to validate AMEL mutations leading to X- linked AI.