Phosphorylation of phosphophoryn is crucial for its function as a mediator of biomineralization.

Phosphoproteins of the organic matrix of bone and dentin have been implicated as regulators of the nucleation and growth of the inorganic Ca-P crystals of vertebrate bones and teeth. One such protein identified in the dentin matrix is phosphophoryn (PP). It is highly acidic in nature because of a high content of aspartic acid and phosphate groups on serines.

Reliable and sensitive identification of occult tumor cells using the improved rare event imaging system.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of using rare event imaging system (REIS)-assisted analysis to detect occult tumor cells (OTCs) in peripheral blood (PB). The study also sought to determine whether REIS-assisted OTC detection presents a clinically viable alternative to manual microscopic detection to establish the true significance of OTC from solid epithelial tumors.

Experimental Design: We recently demonstrated proof of concept using a fluorescence-based automated microscope system, REIS, for OTC detection from the PB.

Nucleation of apatite crystals in vitro by self-assembled dentin matrix protein 1.

Bones and teeth are biocomposites that require controlled mineral deposition during their self-assembly to form tissues with unique mechanical properties. Acidic extracellular matrix proteins play a pivotal role during biomineral formation. However, the mechanisms of protein-mediated mineral initiation are far from understood.