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Functional role of EMMPRIN in morphogenesis of tooth germ and formation of hard tissues in mouse mandibular first molars

HUANG Li1, XIE Ming2   

  1. 1.Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350005; 2.Department of Prosthodontics, the Ninth People′s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200011, China
  • Online:2014-01-28 Published:2014-01-29
  • Supported by:

    Construction of Shanghai Key Disciplines Project, S30206; Construction of Shanghai Key Disciplines-Characteristic Disciplines Project, T0202; National Natural Science Foundation of China, 30900848; Foundation for Young Scientists of Fujian Health Bureau, 2010-1-16

Abstract:

Objective To explore expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN)during mid- and late-stage of mouse low first molar development and its effect on secretion and mineralization of dental matrices. Methods Immunohistochemistry was used to detect EMMPRIN expression in the developing tooth germ at different stages. Tooth germ culture was performed in association with EMMPRIN inhibition assay to observe the consequence of EMMPRIN defects on the morphogenesis of tooth germ. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of EMMPRIN-related genes was examined by Real-Time PCR. Results Specific expression of EMMPRIN was detected in the tooth germs at cap stage, bell stage, as well as secretory stage. EMMPRIN abrogation resulted in the disturbance of amelogenesis and the downregulation of MMP-9, MMP-13, MMP-20, ALPL, ameloblastin, amelogenin, and enamelin mRNA expression in cultured tooth germ explants. Conclusion EMMPRIN was expressed in the different stages of tooth germ development. EMMPRIN played a critical role in the differentiation of ameloblast as well as the secretion and mineralization of enamel matrix, possibly by regulating the mRNA expression of MMPs and/or related enamel matrix proteins.

Key words: extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer, amelogenesis, tooth germ