Tuftelin, Mutans Streptococci, and Dental Caries Susceptibility

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify genetic factors that contribute to dental caries susceptibility, either alone or in combination with environmental factors. Dental examinations were performed and buccal swab samples collected from 3- to 5-year-old children with at least 4 surfaces of decay, or with no evidence of decay. SNP assays for each of 6 candidate genes were performed for all cases and controls. Chi-square analysis and regression analysis were used for the evaluation of individual gene effects, environmental effects, and gene-environment interactions. There were no significant associations between single candidate genes and caries susceptibility. Levels of S. mutans were positively and Lactobacilli were negatively associated with caries. Regression analysis revealed a significant interaction between tuftelin and S. mutans, with 26.8% of the variation in dmfs explained by the interaction. Future research will focus on the identification of these additional factors and the development of functional assays so that these interactions can be better understood.

Chosen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of enamel formation genes and dental caries in a population of Polish children

“…5 There were also no associations between amelogenin genetic variants and dental caries experience in other studies performed on Polish, French, Caucasian, and Japanese populations. [6][7][8]12 However, studied SNPs for AMELX gene and the age of children were different from those chosen for our study, also the studied populations were heterogeneous regarding demographic origins and cultural diversity.…”

“…21 Abbasoğlu et al, Deeley et al and Slayton et al did not find association between AMBN genetic variants and caries experience in Turkish, Guatemalan-Mayan and mixed populations, respectively, although Slayton et al noticed that out of the children who participated in the study, Caucasian children had the greatest severity of the disease. 5,7,11 On the other hand, Patir et al observed an overrepresentation of the minor T allele in rs34538475 in caries experienced individuals in comparison to controls, regardless of the stage of the disease. 4 In our study, however, we observed an opposite association, as both the minor T allele (p < 0.0001) and the minor TT homozygote (p < 0.0001) were overrepresented in controls in comparison to cases with caries, which supported the T allele as a protective variant.…”

“…1,[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] The present study is limited to Polish Caucasian children and, to the best of our knowledge, our study is the first one concerning the genetic aspect of dental caries to be performed on such a homogenous population in Poland. It is well established that multiple environmental as well as genetic factors contribute to caries.…”

“…Literature data describes possible association between the genes responsible for production of different enamel proteins and dental caries occurrence. 1,[4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Mature tooth enamel consists almost completely of inorganic material (above 90%). However, during the development it is composed of organic matrix, which is mostly replaced by mineral compounds.…”

Genome-wide Association Scan for Childhood Caries Implicates Novel Genes

“…For a disease as widespread and costly as childhood dental caries, surprisingly few studies of specific genetic loci have been reported. Notable associated genes from candidate gene studies include tuftelin (via an environmental interaction) (Slayton et al, 2005), ameloblastin (Deeley et al, 2008) (both involved in tooth enamel composition), and taste genes (Wendell et al, 2010); however, these findings have not been rigorously explored in replication samples. The current lack of understanding regarding the genetic factors leading to dental caries and the paucity of active research in this area showcase the urgent need for more comprehensive investigation of the genetic variants associated with disease.…”