Dentin Matrix Protein 1 (Dmp1) was originally identified from dentin. However, its expression and function in vivo are not clear. To clarify these two issues, we have generated mice carrying a truncated Dmp1 gene by using gene targeting to replace exon 6 with a lacZ gene. Northern blot analysis shows the expected 5.8-kb Dmp1-lacZ fusion transcript and loss of the wild-type 2.8-kb Dmp1 transcript, confirmed by a lack of immunostaining for the protein. Using heterozygous animals, we demonstrate that Dmp1 is specific for mineralized tissues. Not previously shown, Dmp1 is also expressed in pulp cells. Dmp1-deficient embryos and newborns display no apparent gross abnormal phenotype, although there are a modest expansion of the hypertrophic chondrocyte zone and a modest increase in the long bone diameter. This suggests that DMP1 is not essential for early mouse skeletal or dental development.

The activation of the canonical Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway in both mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts has been demonstrated to increase bone mass, showing promise for the treatment of low bone volume conditions such as osteoporosis. However, the possible side effects of manipulating this pathway have not been fully addressed. Previously, we reported that the constitutive activation of ß-catenin in osteoblasts impaired vertebral linear growth. In the present study, b-catenin was constitutively activated in osteocytes by crossing Catnbþ/lox(exon 3) mice with dentin matrix protein 1(DMP1)-Cre transgenic mice, and the effects of this activation on bone mass, bone growth and bone strength were then observed. DMP1-Cre was found to be predominantly expressed in osteocytes, with weak expression in a small portion of osteoblasts and growth plate chondrocytes. After the activation, the cancellous bone mass was dramatically increased, almost filling the entire bone marrow cavity in long bones. However, bone strength decreased significantly. Thinner and more porous cortical bone along with impaired mineralization were responsible for the decrease in bone strength. Furthermore, the mice showed shorter stature with impaired linear growth of the long bones. Moreover, the concentration of serum phosphate decreased significantly after the activation of ß-catenin, and a high inorganic phosphate (Pi) diet could partially rescue the phenotype of decreased mineralization level and impaired linear growth. Taken together, the constitutive activation of b-catenin in osteocytes may increase cancellous bone mass; however, the activation also had adverse effects on bone strength and bone growth. These adverse effects should be addressed before the adoption of any therapeutic clinical application involving adjustment of the Wnt/b-catenin signaling pathway.