Amelogenin: A novel protein with diverse applications in genetic and molecular profiling

Abstract

Tooth enamel is a unique entity among all mineralized tissues because of the presence of high mineral content. It is non collagenous and does not undergo resorption and remodelling. Its formation occurs through a transient collaborating network of enamel matrix proteins which controls hydroxyapatite crystal growth and orientation. Amelogenins constitute about 90% of the total enamel matrix proteins and play a major role in enamel bio mineralization. Amelogenin isoforms coalesce into nanospheres thus dictating the width and thickness of apatite crystals. The X and Y copies of amelogenins do not undergo homologous recombination, thus preferring it for sex determination in modern forensics. Recently, it was discovered that application of amelogenin to diseased periodontal tissue surfaces enhanced the regeneration of all the periodontal tissues. Additionally, low molecular mass amelogenin polypeptides have also been thought to possess osteogenic potential. Recent data regarding usage of immunohistochemical markers for mesenchymal stem cells suggested that amelogenin has the capacity to induce the recruitment of mesenchymal stem cells directly or indirectly during regeneration of the supporting periodontal tissues. Thus, our current concepts of dental enamel formation should be reviewed thoroughly so that this information could be applied to clinical circumstances where this understanding may be particularly relevant.

Three-Dimensional Printed Multiphase Scaffolds for Regeneration of Periodontium Complex

“…Amelogenin is a secreted protein by ameloblasts and participates in mineralization. 37 CTGF was selected for its potency to stimulate fibroblastic differentiation. 31,38 BMP2 was selected for its ability to promote osteogenesis.…”

DNA isolation from teeth by organic extraction and identification of sex of the individual by analyzing the AMEL gene marker using PCR

“…This difference in male and female genotypes can be utilized as a indispensable tool having good specificity and sensitivity and financially viable for modern forensic science. [ 8 ]…”

Molecular analysis for sex determination in forensic dentistry: a systematic review

“…Amelogenin is involved in dental development early in life. Previously only known from enamel, amelogenin has also been discovered in long bone cells (Bansal et al 2012). Although widely used as a marker, in some cases, deletion in the amelogenin Y region or lack of Y-DNA has been found although the Y chromosome was present.…”