Porcine enamel protein fractions contain transforming growth factor-beta1.

Background: Enamel extracts are biologically active and capable of inducing osteogenesis and cementogenesis, but the specific molecules carrying these activities have not been ascertained. The purpose of this study was to identify osteogenic factors in porcine enamel extracts.

Methods: Enamel proteins were separated by size-exclusion chromatography into four fractions, which were tested for their osteogenic activity on osteoblast-like cells (ST2) and human periodontal ligament (HPDL) cells.

Results: Fraction 3 (Fr.3) and a transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1) control reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in ST2 but enhanced ALP activity in HPDL cells. The enhanced ALP activity was blocked by anti-TGF-beta antibodies. Furthermore, using a dual-luciferase reporter assay, we demonstrated that Fr.3 can induce the promoter activity of the plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) gene.

Conclusion: These results show that the osteoinductive activity of enamel extracts on HPDL cells is mediated by TGF-beta1.