MEPE Localization in the Craniofacial Complex and Function in Tooth Dentin Formation.

Matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) is an extracellular matrix protein found in dental and skeletal tissues. Although information regarding the role of MEPE in bone and disorders of phosphate metabolism is emerging, the role of MEPE in dental tissues remains unclear. We performed RNA in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry analyses to delineate the expression pattern of MEPE during embryonic and postnatal development in craniofacial mineralizing tissues.

NFI-C2 temporal-spatial expression and cellular localization pattern during tooth formation.

Currently, little is known regarding critical signaling pathways during later stages of tooth development, especially those associated with root formation. Nfi-c null mice, lacking molar roots, have implicated the transcription factor NFI-C as having an essential role in root development. Previously, we identified three NFI-C isoforms expressed in dental tissues with NFI-C2 being the major transcript.

Bmp2 deletion causes an amelogenesis imperfecta phenotype via regulating enamel gene expression.

Although Bmp2 is essential for tooth formation, the role of Bmp2 during enamel formation remains unknown in vivo. In this study, the role of Bmp2 in regulation of enamel formation was investigated by the Bmp2 conditional knock out (Bmp2 cKO) mice. Teeth of Bmp2 cKO mice displayed severe and profound phenotypes with asymmetric and misshaped incisors as well as abrasion of incisors and molars.

CCL7 is a protective factor secreted by mechanically loaded osteocytes.

In a search for factors up-regulated by mechanical strain in osteocytes, we discovered that chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 7 (CCL7), a chemotactic myokine, was highly expressed in MLO-Y4 osteocyte-like cells. Although MLO-Y4 cells secrete potent chemotactic factors for osteoclast precursors, CCL7 was not responsible for this activity. CCL7 was increased in osteocytes in response to tooth movement in vivo.

Enamel matrix derivative: protein components and osteoinductive properties.

Background: Although enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has demonstrated the ability to promote angiogenesis and osteogenesis both in vitro and in vivo, the specific elements within the EMD compound responsible for these effects remain unknown.

Methods: Nine different protein pools from a commercially produced EMD were collected based on molecular weight. Six of these pools, along with the complete EMD unfractionated compound and positive and negative controls, were tested for their ability to induce bone formation in a calvarial induction assay.