Ameloblastin

Function

Ameloblastin is a specific protein found in tooth enamel. Although less than 5% of enamel consists of protein, ameloblastins constitute 5–10% of all enamel protein, making it the second most abundant enamel matrix protein. This protein is formed by ameloblasts during the early secretory to late maturation stages of amelogenesis. Although not completely understood, the function of ameloblastins is believed to be in controlling the elongation of enamel crystals and generally directing enamel mineralization during tooth development. Ameloblastin helps in the growth of a crystalline enameloid layer consisting of randomly oriented short enamel crystals. Ameloblastin cleavage products are found in the sheath space between rod and interrod enamel, while intact ameloblastin accumulates on the enamel rods. This difference in localization is thought to maintain the boundary between rod and interrod enamel.

Ameloblastin is generally implicated in enamel development, but may also have a role in root development. Other possible actions include bone remodeling and repair, although this function has yet to be definitively proven.

Other significant proteins in enamel are amelogenins, enamelins, and tuftelins.

Clinical significance

Mutations in AMBN cause amelogenesis imperfecta, a disease characterized by abnormal enamel formation resulting in discolored, pitted, or spotted enamel. These mutations are rare, and follow an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.

References

References

1. (2007). "Enamel formation and amelogenesis imperfecta". Cells Tissues Organs.
2. (December 2021). "Amelogenesis: Transformation of a protein-mineral matrix into tooth enamel". Journal of Structural Biology.
3. (September 2013). "Dental enamel development: proteinases and their enamel matrix substrates". ISRN Dentistry.
4. (October 2014). "Deletion of ameloblastin exon 6 is associated with amelogenesis imperfecta". Human Molecular Genetics.