A comparative study of sialic acid-rich proteins in rat bone and dentin

Adhesion of MC3T3-E1 cells to bone sialoprotein and bone osteopontin specifically bound to collagen I

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) and bone osteopontin (OPN) are members of the SIBLING (small integrin-binding ligand, N-linked glycoproteins) family of proteins commonly found in mineralized tissues. Previously, OPN was shown to exhibit a preferential orientation for MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion when it was specifically bound to collagen. In this work, the orientation of BSP under similar circumstances is examined and compared with OPN. Radiolabeled adsorption isotherms were obtained for BSP bound to both tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) and collagen-coated TCPS. The results show that collagen has the capacity to bind almost twice as much OPN under identical conditions. An in vitro MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion assay was then performed to compare the cell binding ability of BSP on either TCPS or collagen-coated TCPS with identical amounts of adsorbed protein. It was found that there is no significant difference in the cell binding ability of BSP on either of the substrates. For cell binding studies on collagen-coated TCPS, it was shown that there are a greater number of cells bound to substrates with adsorbed OPN as compared with BSP. The preferable orientation of OPN for cell binding coupled with the higher binding capability of collagen for OPN indicates that OPN is more important than BSP for osteoblast adhesion to the collagen matrix. In addition, a cell inhibition assay was performed to show that all of the cell binding that occurred throughout these studies was dependent upon integrin interactions with the RGD cell binding moiety.

SCPP gene evolution and the dental mineralization continuum

Many genes critical to vertebrate skeletal mineralization are members of the secretory calcium-binding phosphoprotein (SCPP) gene family, which has evolved by gene duplication from a single ancestral gene. In humans, mutations in some of these SCPP genes have been associated with various diseases related to dentin or enamel hypoplasia. Recently, systematic searches for SCPP genes of various species have allowed us to investigate the history of phylogenetically variable dental tissues as a whole. One important conclusion is that not all disease-associated SCPP genes are present in tetrapods, and teleost fish probably have none, even in toothed species, having acquired their complement of SCPP genes through an independent duplication history. Here, we review comparative analyses of mineralized dental tissues, with particular emphasis on the use of SCPPs, within and between tetrapods and teleosts. Current knowledge suggests a close relationship among bone, dentin, teleost fish enameloid (enamel-like hard tissue), and tetrapod enamel. These tissues thus form a mineralized-tissue continuum. Contemporary dental tissues have evolved from an ancestral continuum through lineage-specific modifications.

Identification of full-length dentin matrix protein 1 in dentin and bone

Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) has been identified in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of dentin and bone as the processed NH(2)-terminal and COOH-terminal fragment. However, the full-length form of DMP1 has not been identified in these tissues. The focus of this investigation was to search for the intact full-length DMP1 in dentin and bone. We used two types of anti-DMP1 antibodies to identify DMP1: one type specifically recognizes the NH(2)-terminal region and the other type is only reactive to the COOH-terminal region of the DMP1 amino acid sequence. An approximately 105-kDa protein, extracted from the ECM of rat dentin and bone, was recognized by both types of antibodies; and the migration rate of this protein was identical to the recombinant mouse full-length DMP1 made in eukaryotic cells. We concluded that this approximately 105-kDa protein is the full-length form of DMP1, which is considerably less abundant than its processed fragments in the ECM of dentin and bone. We also detected the full-length form of DMP1 and its processed fragments in the extract of dental pulp/odontoblast complex dissected from rat teeth. In addition, immunofluorescence analysis showed that in MC3T3-E1 cells the NH(2)-terminal and COOH-terminal fragments of DMP1 are distributed differently. Our findings indicate that the majority of DMP1 must be cleaved within the cells that synthesize it and that minor amounts of uncleaved DMP1 molecules are secreted into the ECM of dentin and bone.

Distribution of SIBLING proteins in the organic and inorganic phases of rat dentin and bone

The SIBLING protein family is a group of non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) that includes dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteopontin (OPN). In the present study, we compared these four proteins in different phases of rat dentin and bone. First, we extracted NCPs in the unmineralized matrices and cellular compartments using guanidium-HCl (G1). Second, we extracted NCPs closely associated with hydroxyapatite using an EDTA solution (E). Last, we extracted the remaining NCPs again with guanidium-HCl (G2). Each fraction of Q-Sepharose ion-exchange chromatography was analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Stains-All stain, and with western immunoblotting. In dentin, the NH(2)-terminal fragment of DSPP and its proteoglycan form were primarily present in the G1 extract, whereas the COOH-terminal fragment of DSPP was present exclusively in the E extract. The processed NH(2)-terminal fragment of DMP1 was present in G1 and E extracts, whereas the COOH-terminal fragment of DMP1 existed mainly in the E extract. Bone sialoprotein was present in all three extracts of dentin and bone, whereas OPN was present only in the G1 and E extracts of bone. The difference in the distribution of the SIBLING proteins between organic and inorganic phases supports the belief that these molecular species play different roles in dentinogenesis and osteogenesis.

MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion to hydroxyapatite with adsorbed bone sialoprotein, bone osteopontin, and bovine serum albumin

Native bone tissue is composed of a complex matrix of collagen, non-collagenous proteins, and hydroxyapatite (HAP). Bone sialoprotein (BSP) and bone osteopontin (OPN) are members of the non-collagenous protein family termed the SIBLING (small integrin-binding ligand, N-linked glycoproteins) proteins, which are primarily found in mineralized tissues. Previously, OPN was shown to exhibit a preferential orientation for MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion when it was specifically bound to collagen, while the MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion was shown to be dependant on the conformational flexibility of BSP specifically bound to collagen. Additionally, OPN was shown to play a greater role than BSP for cell binding to collagen. In this work, the orientations and conformations of BSP and OPN specifically bound to HAP are probed under similar conditions. Radiolabeled adsorption isotherms were obtained for BSP and OPN on HAP formed from a simulated body fluid, and the results show that HAP has the capacity to bind significantly more BSP than OPN. An in vitro MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion assay was then performed to compare the cell binding ability of adsorbed BSP and OPN specifically bound to HAP. It was found that there is a preference for cell binding to HAP with adsorbed BSP as compared to OPN, but not to a statistically significant level. However, the maximum cell binding was observed on HAP substrates with adsorbed heat denatured bovine serum albumin (BSA). The influence of BSA on cell binding was shown to be concentration dependant and it is believed that the adsorbed BSA modulates the proliferation state of the bound cells.

Controlling the orientation of bone osteopontin via its specific binding with collagen I to modulate osteoblast adhesion

Osteopontin (OPN) is an important matricellular protein that modulates cell functions. It is potentially an excellent surface-coating component for engineered biomaterials. It is believed that in its preferred orientation and conformation on a surface, the functional domains of OPN such as the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) motif will be presented to cells to the greatest extent. Previously, the authors demonstrated that OPN orientation could be modulated by surface charge. In this work, the authors attempt to control the orientation/conformation of bone OPN via its specific interactions with type I collagen. Surface plasmon resonance was used to confirm the specific binding between bone OPN and collagen I. A radiolabeled OPN adsorption assay was used to determine the amount of adsorbed OPN on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) surfaces with or without collagen I as an interlayer. An in vitro cell adhesion assay using osteoblast MC3T3-E1 was performed to compare the functionality of collagen-bound OPN and adsorbed OPN on TCPS. With the same amount of OPN on the surfaces, the number of cells adhered to collagen-bound OPN is significantly higher than to OPN alone on TCPS. A cell inhibition assay using soluble GRGDSP peptides showed that a higher GRGDSP concentration was needed to completely block osteoblast adhesion to collagen-bound OPN than to OPN directly on TCPS. Enhanced cell adhesion and higher blocking peptide concentration suggest that collagen-bound bone OPN has a preferable orientation/conformation for cell adhesion compared with OPN alone on TCPS. Thus, the specific binding of OPN to collagen I may naturally orient OPN, thus influencing osteoblast adhesion.

Role of fibrillar structure of collagenous carrier in bone sialoprotein-mediated matrix mineralization and osteoblast differentiation

To investigate the effects of the microstructure of collagenous carriers on the in vivo function of bone sialoprotein (BSP) in mineralization and osteoblast differentiation, we examined the ultrastructure of reconstituted type I collagen (collagen) and heat-denatured collagen (gelatin) and the in vivo responses to purified bone-derived BSP that was implanted with collagen or gelatin into surgically created 8-mm rat calvarial bone defects. Scanning and transmission electron microscopies revealed that the collagen displayed a fine fibrillar structure with interconnecting spaces between the fibrils/fibers, while the gelatin completely lost this unique three-dimensional structure after denaturation. The rates of in vivo release of BSP from the collagen scaffold were significantly lower than those from the gelatin. Collagen-BSP, but not gelatin-BSP, induced early mineral deposition in the matrix of proliferating repair cells in the calvarial defects at approximately 4-7 days after implantation. Expression levels of osteoblast markers, alkaline phosphatase activity and amounts of new bone synthesized in the collagen-BSP treated defects were significantly greater than that in the gelatin-BSP treated defects (p<0.001). The data suggest that the fibrillar microstructure of reconstituted collagen is essential for retaining BSP at a higher concentration within the defects, which enhances BSP-mediated matrix mineralization and osteoblast differentiation during the repair of rat calvarial defects.

Rescue of odontogenesis in Dmp1-deficient mice by targeted re-expression of DMP1 reveals roles for DMP1 in early odontogenesis and dentin apposition in vivo

Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is expressed in both pulp and odontoblast cells and deletion of the Dmp1 gene leads to defects in odontogenesis and mineralization. The goals of this study were to examine how DMP1 controls dentin mineralization and odontogenesis in vivo. Fluorochrome labeling of dentin in Dmp1-null mice showed a diffuse labeling pattern with a 3-fold reduction in dentin appositional rate compared to controls. Deletion of DMP1 was also associated with abnormalities in the dentinal tubule system and delayed formation of the third molar. Unlike the mineralization defect in Vitamin D receptor-null mice, the mineralization defect in Dmp1-null mice was not rescued by a high calcium and phosphate diet, suggesting a different effect of DMP1 on mineralization. Re-expression of Dmp1 in early and late odontoblasts under control of the Col1a1 promoter rescued the defects in mineralization as well as the defects in the dentinal tubules and third molar development. In contrast, re-expression of Dmp1 in mature odontoblasts, using the Dspp promoter, produced only a partial rescue of the mineralization defects. These data suggest that DMP1 is a key regulator of odontoblast differentiation, formation of the dentin tubular system and mineralization and its expression is required in both early and late odontoblasts for normal odontogenesis to proceed.

Matrix macromolecules in hard tissues control the nucleation and hierarchical assembly of hydroxyapatite

Biogenic minerals found in teeth and bones are synthesized by precise cell-mediated mechanisms. They have superior mechanical properties due to their complex architecture. Control over biomineral properties can be accomplished by regulation of particle size, shape, crystal orientation, and polymorphic structure. In many organisms, biogenic minerals are assembled using a transient amorphous mineral phase. Here we report that organic constituents of bones and teeth, namely type I collagen and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), are effective crystal modulators. They control nucleation of calcium phosphate polymorphs and the assembly of hierarchically ordered crystalline composite material. Both full-length recombinant DMP1 and post-translationally modified native DMP1 were able to nucleate hydroxyapatite (HAP) in the presence of type I collagen. However, the N-terminal domain of DMP1 (amino acid residues 1-334) inhibited HAP formation and stabilized the amorphous phase that was formed. During the nucleation and growth process, the initially formed metastable amorphous calcium phosphate phase transformed into thermodynamically stable crystalline hydroxyapatite in a precisely controlled manner. The organic matrix-mediated controlled transformation of amorphous calcium phosphate into crystalline HAP was confirmed by x-ray diffraction, selected area electron diffraction pattern, Raman spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The mechanical properties of the protein-mediated HAP crystals were also determined as they reflect the material structure. Such understanding of biomolecule controls on biomineralization promises new insights into the controlled synthesis of crystalline structures.

Effect of antisense oligonucleotide against mouse dentine matrix protein 1 on mineralization ability and calcium ions metabolism in odontoblast-like cell line MDPC-23

AIM

To study the mineralization ability and the dynamic changes of intracellular and extracellular concentrations of calcium ions in the odontoblast-like cell line MDPC-23 affected by antisense oligonucleotide (AS-ODN) against mouse dentine matrix protein 1 (DMP1).

METHODOLOGY

The expression of DMP1 in MDPC-23 cells was detected by an immunohistochemical method and its blocking outcome by the Western blot method. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, size and number of mineralized nodules, and the intracellular free ([Ca2+]if), total ([Ca2+]it) and the extracellular ([Ca2+]e) calcium ion concentrations in MDPC-23 cells in the experimental group affected with AS-ODN were compared with those in the control group (paired-samples t-test).

RESULTS

Dentine matrix protein 1 was stably expressed in a stable way in MDPC-23 cells; the expression was only just detectable at 12 h and became negative after 24 h affected by AS-ODN. Compared with the control groups, ALP activity of MDPC-23 cells in the AS-ODN group was decreased (P < 0.05), and both the number and size of mineralized nodules were smaller than those in the control group. [Ca2+]if in the AS-ODN group increased and then decreased after 24 h. [Ca2+]it dropped substantially to the lowest point at 24 h (P < 0.01). [Ca2+]e increased before treatment for 24 h and then dropped, however, it was still higher than that of the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Antisense oligonucleotide against DMP1 could decrease mineralization ability and affect the intracellular and extracellular concentrations of calcium ions in MDPC-23 cells. This would indicate that DMP1 regulates the metabolism and transportation of calcium ions in odontoblasts, and thus boosts dentine mineralization.

Site-specific in vivo calcification and osteogenesis stimulated by bone sialoprotein

Bone sialoprotein (BSP) is one of the major non-collagenous glycosylated phosphoproteins of the extracellular matrix in bone. In vitro studies suggest that BSP may play important roles in the initiation and/or growth of calcium-phosphate crystals. To investigate the potential role of BSP in more complex in vivo environments, we implanted purified bovine BSP with type-I collagen as a carrier into surgically created rat calvarial defects and thoracic subcutaneous pouches. The responses to the implants were assessed by histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, quantitative real-time PCR, and biochemical analyses. BSP-collagen, but not collagen alone, elicited mineral deposition in the matrix of proliferating cells near the dura at days 4-5 followed by osteoblast differentiation and synthesis of new bone in the mid-portion of the calvarial defects. In contrast, implantation of BSP-collagen into subcutaneous pouches did not induce calcification or osteogenesis over the same experimental period. We explored the underlying mechanisms for the site-specific responses to BSP-collagen implants and found that higher levels of calcium content and alkaline phosphatase activity at the cranial site at days 2-5 were associated with the BSP-mediated calcification. We also found that BSP stimulated osteoblast differentiation through up-regulation of cbfa1 and osterix, key transcription factors of osteoblast differentiation, which occurred in the calvarial defects but not in the subcutaneous tissue. These results demonstrate that BSP stimulates calcification and osteogenesis in a site-specific manner, and that local environment and the specificities of responding cells may play critical roles in the function of BSP in vivo.

Expression Pattern of Osteopontin in Endometrial Carcinoma: Correlation With Expression of the Adhesion Molecule CEACAM1

Osteopontin (OPN) and CEACAM1 have diverse biological functions in the uterus and placenta throughout the estrous cycle and pregnancy and have been shown to interact with integrin beta3. OPN is a glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix, which has been shown to mediate cellular migration and invasion and to contribute to tumorigenesis in several types of cancers. Recently we showed the expression pattern of OPN in gestational trophoblastic tumors. CEACAM1 is an adhesion molecule of the carcinoembryonic antigen family that we have recently found to be expressed in endometrial cancer and that has been shown to be down-regulated in colorectal, prostate, and breast cancer. In this study, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence with specific antibodies were performed on a series of 20 normal endometrial samples, 17 endometrial hyperplasias, and 43 endometrial carcinomas (28 endometrioid, 10 serous, and 5 clear cell carcinomas) to investigate the expression pattern and cell-type specific localization of OPN and to correlate it with the expression of CEACAM1. In addition, Western blot was performed on normal human endometrium and endometrial neoplasia. Strong OPN expression with a consistent cytoplasmic localization in epithelial glandular cells was observed in the normal human endometrium in 80% of the samples of the proliferative and secretory phase (score 8-12). Similar results could be found in endometrial hyperplasias. Strong expression of OPN could be observed in 29 (67.4%) of the 43 analyzed endometrial carcinomas. Of the 43 analyzed tumors, 18 (41.8%) were in the high score (8-12) category with a strong OPN expression level; 11 of 43 (25.5%) showed a moderate score (4-7) category. In endometrioid carcinoma with increasing malignancy grade, increasing areas with low OPN expression level or complete loss of OPN expression could be observed. In contrast, serous tumors showed a strong OPN expression level. Similar results could be found in Western blot analysis. CEACAM1 showed similar results and could be found to be coexpressed with OPN in normal human endometrium and in endometrial neoplasia as we showed using immunofluorescence. In this study, the different expression patterns of OPN in endometrial tumors could additionally support the biological diversity of endometrioid and serous carcinomas together with other markers. We suggest that OPN might play a different role in the pathogenesis of endometrial cancer (possibly as a functional complex with CEACAM1) and could be relevant for invasive growth of such lesions.

A Chondroitin Sulfate Chain Attached to the Bone Dentin Matrix Protein 1 NH2-Terminal Fragment

Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is an acidic noncollagenous protein shown by gene ablations to be critical for the proper mineralization of bone and dentin. In the extracellular matrix of these tissues DMP1 is present as fragments representing the NH2-terminal (37 kDa) and COOH-terminal (57 kDa) portions of the cDNA-deduced amino acid sequence. During our separation of bone noncollagenous proteins, we observed a high molecular weight, DMP1-related component (designated DMP1-PG). We purified DMP1-PG with a monoclonal anti-DMP1 antibody affinity column. Amino acid analysis and Edman degradation of tryptic peptides proved that the core protein for DMP1-PG is the 37-kDa fragment of DMP1. Chondroitinase treatments demonstrated that the slower migration rate of DMP1-PG is due to the presence of glycosaminoglycan. Quantitative disaccharide analysis indicated that the glycosaminoglycan is made predominantly of chondroitin 4-sulfate. Further analysis on tryptic peptides led us to conclude that a single glycosaminoglycan chain is linked to the core protein via Ser74, located in the Ser74-Gly75 dipeptide, an amino acid sequence specific for the attachment of glycosaminoglycans. Our findings show that in addition to its existence as a phosphoprotein, the NH2-terminal fragment from DMP1 occurs as a proteoglycan. Amino acid sequence alignment analysis showed that the Ser74-Gly75 dipeptide and its flanking regions are highly conserved among a wide range of species from caiman to the Homo sapiens, indicating that this glycosaminoglycan attachment domain has survived an extremely long period of evolution pressure, suggesting that the glycosaminoglycan may be critical for the basic biological functions of DMP1.

Porcine dentin matrix protein 1: gene structure, cDNA sequence, and expression in teeth

Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is an acidic non-collagenous protein that is necessary for the proper biomineralization of bone, cartilage, cementum, dentin, and enamel. Dentin matrix protein 1 is highly phosphorylated and potentially glycosylated, but there is no experimental data identifying which specific amino acids are modified. For the purpose of facilitating the characterization of DMP1 from pig, which has the advantage of large developing teeth for obtaining protein in quantity and extensive structural information concerning other tooth matrix proteins, we characterized the porcine DMP1 cDNA and gene structure, raised anti-peptide immunoglobulins that are specific for porcine DMP1, and detected DMP1 protein in porcine tooth extracts and histological sections. Porcine DMP1 has 510 amino acids, including a 16-amino acid signal peptide. The deduced molecular weight of the secreted, unmodified protein is 53.5 kDa. The protein has 93 serines and 12 threonines in the appropriate context for phosphorylation, and four asparagines in a context suitable for glycosylation. Dentin matrix protein 1 protein bands with apparent molecular weights between 30 and 45 kDa were observed in partially purified dentin extracts. In developing teeth, immunohistochemistry localized DMP1 in odontoblasts and the dentinal tubules of mineralized dentin and in ameloblasts, but not in the enamel matrix.

Molecular basis of human dentin diseases

In recent years, substantial progress has been made regarding the molecular etiology of human structural tooth diseases that alter dentin matrix formation. These diseases have been classified into two major groups with subtypes: dentin dysplasia (DD) types I and II and dentinogenesis imperfecta (DGI) types I-III. Genetic linkage studies have identified the critical loci for DD-II, DGI-II, and DGI-II to human chromosome 4q21. Located within the common disease loci for these diseases is cluster of dentin/bone genes that includes osteopontin (OPN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). To date, only mutations within dentin sialophosphoprotein have been associated with the pathogenesis of dentin diseases including DGI types-II and -III and DD-II. In this article, we overview the recent literature related to these dentin genetic diseases, their clinical features, and molecular pathogenesis.

Spatially and temporally controlled biomineralization is facilitated by interaction between self-assembled dentin matrix protein 1 and calcium phosphate nuclei in solution

Bone and dentin biomineralization are well-regulated processes mediated by extracellular matrix proteins. It is widely believed that specific matrix proteins in these tissues modulate nucleation of apatite nanoparticles and their growth into micrometer-sized crystals via molecular recognition at the protein-mineral interface. However, this assumption has been supported only circumstantially, and the exact mechanism remains unknown. Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is an acidic matrix protein, present in the mineralized matrix of bone and dentin. In this study, we have demonstrated using synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering that DMP1 in solution can undergo oligomerization and temporarily stabilize the newly formed calcium phosphate nanoparticle precursors by sequestering them and preventing their further aggregation and precipitation. The solution structure represents the first low-resolution structural information for DMP1. Atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies further confirmed that the nascent calcium phosphate nuclei formed in solution were assembled into ordered protein-mineral complexes with the aid of oligomerized DMP1, recombinant and native. This study reveals a novel mechanism by which DMP1 might facilitate initiation of mineral nucleation at specific sites during bone and dentin mineralization and prevent spontaneous calcium phosphate precipitation in areas in which mineralization is not desirable.

DMP1 depletion decreases bone mineralization in vivo: an FTIR imaging analysis

The role of DMP1 in mineralization was analyzed by comparing bone mineral and matrix properties in dmp1-null female mice to heterozygous and wildtype controls by FTIR imaging spectroscopy. The observed decreased mineral content in dmp1 null mice indicates a key role for dmp1 in bone mineralization. Indirect effects of DMP1 on other systems also determine the KO phenotype.

INTRODUCTION

Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), an acidic phosphorylated extracellular matrix protein, is highly expressed in mineralized tissues. In vitro, DMP1 peptides can promote or inhibit mineralization depending on the extent of phosphorylation, the peptide size, and concentration. To clarify the biological function of DMP1 protein on in vivo mineralization, this study analyzed bone properties of dmp1 knockout (KO) mice compared with heterozygous (HET) and wildtype (WT) controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tibias from dmp1 KO and age-, sex-, and background-matched HET and WT mice at 4 and 16 weeks (N(total) = 60) were examined by Fourier transform infrared imaging (FTIRI), histology (n = 6 per genotype and age; N = 36), and geometry by muCT (n = 4 per genotype and age; N = 24). Serum ionic calcium and phosphate concentrations were also determined.

RESULTS

The mineral-to-matrix ratios (spectroscopic parameter of relative mineral content) were significantly lower in dmp1 KO mice tibias compared with WT and HET at 4 and 16 weeks. The mineral crystallinity (crystal size/perfection) was significantly increased in dmp1 KO and HET mice relative to WT. Collagen cross-link ratios (a spectroscopic parameter related to the relative amounts of nonreducible/reducible collagen cross-links) in dmp1 KO were not significantly different from WT and HET. Based on muCT, cortical bone cross-sectional areas at 16 but not 4 weeks were significantly reduced in the KO compared with controls. Maximum, minimum, and polar cross-sectional moments of inertia were significantly lower in dmp1 KO than in HET at 16 weeks but not at 4 weeks. Histological analysis and muCT 3-D images suggested that dmp1 KO mice had osteomalacia. Dmp1 KO mice had significantly lower ionic calcium and phosphate concentrations relative to WT, whereas in the HET, values for phosphate were equivalent, and calcium values were decreased relative to WT values.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of decreased mineral-to-matrix ratio and increased crystal size in bones of dmp1 KO mice suggest that DMP1 has multiple roles (both direct and indirect) in the regulation of postnatal mineralization. We suggest that direct effects on mineral formation, crystal growth, and indirect effects on regulation of Ca x P concentrations and matrix turnover all contribute to the dominant phenotype in the dmp1 KO mouse.

Isolated primary osteocytes express functional gap junctions in vitro

The osteocyte is the most abundant cell type in bone and is embedded in mineralized bone matrix. Osteocytes are still poorly characterized because of their location and the lack of primary osteocyte isolation methods. Data on the cell biology of osteocytes is especially limited. We have isolated primary osteocytes from rat cortical bone by applying repeated enzymatic digestion and decalcification. The isolated osteocytes expressed typical osteocytic morphology with cell-cell contacts via long protrusions after a 1-day culture. These cells were negative or faintly positive for alkaline phosphatase but expressed high levels of osteocalcin, PHEX (phosphate-regulating gene with homology to endopeptidases on the X chromosome), and DMP1 (dentin matrix protein 1). These cells also revealed patchy membrane staining for connexin43. For studying the function of gap junctions in isolated osteocytes, we microinjected rhodamine-labeled dextran (MW: 10,000) and Lucifer yellow (MW: 457) and found that Lucifer yellow was rapidly transmitted to several surrounding cells, whereas dextran remained in the injected cells. Heptanol and 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid inhibited the transfer of Lucifer yellow. This clearly showed the existence of functional gap junctions in cultured osteocytes. Enveloped viruses, such as vesicular stomatitis virus and influenza A virus, were used for studying cell polarity. We were unable to demonstrate plasma membrane polarization with enveloped viruses in isolated primary osteocytes in culture. Our results suggest that osteocytes do not possess apical and basolateral plasma membrane domains as do osteoblasts, which are their precursors.

Importance of phosphorylation for osteopontin regulation of biomineralization

Previous in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that osteopontin (OPN) is an inhibitor of the formation and growth of hydroxyapatite (HA) and other biominerals. The present study tests the hypotheses that the interaction of OPN with HA is determined by the extent of protein phosphorylation and that this interaction regulates the mineralization process. Bone OPN as previously reported inhibited HA formation and HA-seeded growth in a gelatin-gel system. A transglutaminase-linked OPN polymer had similar effects. Recombinant, nonphosphorylated OPN and chemically dephosphorylated OPN, had no effect on HA formation or growth in this system. In contrast, highly phosphorylated milk OPN (mOPN) promoted HA formation. The mOPN stabilized the conversion of amorphous calcium phosphate (a non-crystalline constituent of milk) to HA, whereas bone OPN had a lesser effect on this conversion. Mixtures of OPN and osteocalcin known to form a complex in vitro, unexpectedly promoted HA formation. To test the hypothesis that small alterations in protein conformation caused by phosphorylation account for the differences in the observed ability of OPN to interact with HA, the conformation of bone OPN and mOPN in the presence and absence of crystalline HA was determined by attenuated total reflection (ATR) infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Both proteins exhibited a predominantly random coil structure, which was unaffected by the addition of Ca(2+). Binding to HA did not alter the secondary structure of bone OPN, but induced a small increase of beta-sheet (few percent) in mOPN. These data taken together suggest that the phosphorylation of OPN is an important factor in regulating the OPN-mediated mineralization process.

Porcine dentin sialoprotein is a proteoglycan with glycosaminoglycan chains containing chondroitin 6-sulfate

Dentin sialoprotein (DSP) is a glycoprotein that is critical for proper tooth dentin formation, but little is known about the nature of its carbohydrate attachments and other post-translational modifications. We have isolated DSP from pig dentin and demonstrate that it is a proteoglycan. Polyclonal antibodies were raised in chicken against recombinant pig DSP, and used to identify native DSP in fractions of tooth dentin proteins extracted from developing pig molars. Amino acid analyses and characterization of lysylendopeptidase cleavage products confirmed that the purified protein was DSP, and that Arg391 is at the DSP C terminus. On SDS-PAGE and on urea gels, DSP appeared as a smear extending from 280 to 100 kDa, but in the presence of beta-mercaptoethanol the top of the DSP smear disappeared. The high molecular weight material was likely comprised of covalent DSP dimers connected by a disulfide bridge at Cys205. Oligosaccharides were released from DSP following N- and O-linked glycosidase digestions, but these digestions had little effect on the apparent molecular weight of DSP on SDS-PAGE, when compared with the significant reduction following chondroitinase ABC digestion. Glycosaminoglycanases with assorted glycosaminoglycan (GAG) cleavage specificities coupled with Western analyses of the cleaved GAG "stubs" demonstrated that the DSP GAG attachments contain chondroitin 6-sulfate, but not keratan sulfate, heparan sulfate, chondroitin, or chondroitin 4-sulfate. DSP binds biotin-labeled hyaluronic acid, and such binding is inhibited by the addition of unlabeled hyaluronic acid. We conclude that DSP is a proteoglycan and that GAG attachments are the predominant structural feature of porcine DSP.

Bone Acidic Glycoprotein-75 Delineates the Extracellular Sites of Future Bone Sialoprotein Accumulation and Apatite Nucleation in Osteoblastic Cultures

Addition of an organophosphate source to UMR osteoblastic cultures activates a mineralization program in which BSP localizes to extracellular matrix sites where hydroxyapatite crystals are subsequently nucleated. This study identifies for the first time novel extracellular spherical structures, termed biomineralization foci (BMF), containing bone acidic glycoprotein-75 (BAG-75), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and alkaline phosphatase that are the exclusive sites of initial nucleation of hydroxyapatite crystals in the UMR model. Importantly, in the absence of added phosphate, UMR cultures after reaching confluency contain two size populations of morphologically identifiable BMF precursors enriched in BAG-75 (15-25 and 150-250 microm in diameter). The shape and size of the smaller population are similar to structures assembled in vitro through self-association of purified BAG-75 protein. After organophosphate addition, BSP accumulates within these BAG-75-containing BMF precursors, with hydroxyapatite crystal nucleation occurring subsequently. In summary, BAG-75 is the earliest detectable biomarker that accurately predicts the extracellular sites of de novo biomineralization in UMR cultures. We hypothesize that BAG-75 may perform a key structural role in the assembly of BMF precursors and the recruitment of other proteins such as alkaline phosphatase and BSP. Furthermore, we propose a hypothetical mechanism in which BAG-75 and BSP function actively in nucleation of apatite within BMF.

Extracellular Bone Acidic Glycoprotein-75 Defines Condensed Mesenchyme Regions to be Mineralized and Localizes with Bone Sialoprotein during Intramembranous Bone Formation

Bone acidic glycoprotein-75 is expressed very early during in vivo models of intramembranous bone formation, highly enriched in condensing osteogenic mesenchyme after marrow ablation and the osteoprogenitor layer of tibial periosteum. Bone sialoprotein accumulates within bone acidic glycoprotein-75-enriched matrix areas at a later stage in both models. Decalcification of initial sites of mineralization consistently revealed focal immunostaining for bone acidic glycoprotein-75 underneath these sites suggesting that mineralization occurs within bone acidic glycoprotein-75-enriched matrix areas. Ultrastructural immunolocalization of bone acidic glycoprotein-75 does not support a direct association with banded collagen fibrils, but rather suggests it is a component of a separate, amorphous scaffold occupying interfibrillar spaces. Double immunogold labeling demonstrated that a sizeable proportion of bone sialoprotein particles were located within a 50-nm radius of bone acidic glycoprotein-75. These results define bone acidic glycoprotein-75 as the earliest bone-restricted, extracellular marker of osteogenic mesenchyme. Based on this early bone-restricted expression pattern and a previously documented propensity of bone acidic glycoprotein-75 to form supramolecular complexes through self-association, bone acidic glycoprotein-75 may serve a key structural role in setting boundary limits of condensing osteogenic mesenchyme.

Detection of dentin sialoprotein in rat periodontium

Cloning and sequencing of the cDNA indicates that dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is a precursor of both dentin sialoprotein (DSP) and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP). Dentin sialophosphoprotein must be proteolytically processed to form these two extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Numerous studies led us to conclude that DSP (and DSPP) are exclusively expressed by odontoblasts and preameloblasts. However, recent observations suggest a wider distribution. To test this hypothesis, we conducted systematic studies on rat first molar during root formation with immunohistochemical techniques using specific anti-DSP polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies. We also performed in situ hybridization, using high-stringency RNA probes to detect DSP transcripts. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated that DSP is not only localized in odontoblasts, dentin ECM and preameloblasts, but also in alveolar bone, cellular cementum, osteocytes, cementocytes, and their matrices. The results of in situ hybridization were consistent with those from immunohistochemistry, showing the expression of DSP transcripts in osteoblasts of alveolar bone, fibroblasts in periodontal ligament and cementoblasts in cellular cementum. Together, these observations suggest that DSP is involved in formation of the periodontium as well as tooth structures.

Bone Morphogenetic Protein-1/Tolloid-like Proteinases Process Dentin Matrix Protein-1

Bone morphogenetic protein-1 (BMP-1)/Tolloid-like metalloproteinases play key roles in formation of mammalian extracellular matrix (ECM), through the biosynthetic conversion of precursor proteins into their mature functional forms. These proteinases probably play a further role in formation of bone through activation of transforming growth factor beta-like BMPs. Dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP1), deposited into the ECM during assembly and involved in initiating mineralization of bones and teeth, is thought to undergo proteolysis in vivo to generate functional cleavage fragments found in extracts of mineralized tissues. Here, we have generated recombinant DMP1 and demonstrate that it is cleaved, to varying extents, by all four mammalian BMP-1/Tolloid-like proteinases, to generate fragments similar in size to those previously isolated from bone. Consistent with possible roles for the BMP-1/Tolloid-like proteinases in the physiological processing of DMP1, NH2-terminal sequences of products generated by BMP-1 cleavage of DMP1 match those predicted from processing at the predicted DMP1 site that shows greatest cross-species conservation of sequences. Moreover, fibroblasts derived from mouse embryos homozygous null for genes encoding three of the four mammalian BMP-1/Tolloid-like proteinases appear to be deficient in processing of DMP1. Thus, a further role for BMP-1-Tolloid-like proteinases in formation of mineralized tissues is indicated, via proteolytic processing of DMP1.

Dentin matrix protein 1 immobilized on type I collagen fibrils facilitates apatite deposition in vitro

During bone and dentin mineralization, the crystal nucleation and growth processes are considered to be matrix regulated. Osteoblasts and odontoblasts synthesize a polymeric collagenous matrix, which forms a template for apatite initiation and elongation. Coordinated and controlled reaction between type I collagen and bone/dentin-specific noncollagenous proteins are necessary for well defined biogenic crystal formation. However, the process by which collagen surfaces become mineralized is not understood. Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is an acidic noncollagenous protein expressed during the initial stages of mineralized matrix formation in bone and dentin. Here we show that DMP1 bound specifically to type I collagen, with the binding region located at the N-telopeptide region of type I collagen. Peptide mapping identified two acidic clusters in DMP1 responsible for interacting with type I collagen. The collagen binding property of these domains was further confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis. Transmission electron microscopy analyses have localized DMP1 in the gap region of the collagen fibrils. Fibrillogenesis assays further demonstrated that DMP1 accelerated the assembly of the collagen fibrils in vitro and also increased the diameter of the reconstituted collagen fibrils. In vitro mineralization studies in the presence of calcium and phosphate ions demonstrated apatite deposition only at the collagen-bound DMP1 sites. Thus specific binding of DMP1 and possibly other noncollagenous proteins on the collagen fibril might be a key step in collagen matrix organization and mineralization.

Evidence for the proteolytic processing of dentin matrix protein 1. Identification and characterization of processed fragments and cleavage sites

Full-length cDNA coding for dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) has been cloned and sequenced, but the corresponding complete protein has not been isolated. In searching for naturally occurring DMP1, we recently discovered that the extracellular matrix of bone contains fragments originating from DMP1. Shortened forms of DMP1, termed 37K and 57K fragments, were treated with alkaline phosphatase and then digested with trypsin. The resultant peptides were purified by a two-dimensional method: size exclusion followed by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. Purified peptides were sequenced by Edman degradation and mass spectrometry, and the sequences compared with the DMP1 sequence predicted from cDNA. Extensive sequencing of tryptic peptides revealed that the 37K fragments originated from the NH2-terminal region, and the 57K fragments were from the COOH-terminal part of DMP1. Phosphate analysis indicated that the 37K fragments contained 12 phosphates, and the 57K fragments had 41. From 37K fragments, two peptides lacked a COOH-terminal lysine or arginine; instead they ended at Phe173 and Ser180 and were thus COOH termini of 37K fragments. Two peptides were from the NH2 termini of 57K fragments, starting at Asp218 and Asp222. These findings indicated that DMP1 is proteolytically cleaved at four bonds, Phe173-Asp174, Ser180-Asp181, Ser217-Asp218, and Gln221-Asp222, forming eight fragments. The uniformity of cleavages at the NH2-terminal peptide bonds of aspartyl residues suggests that a single proteinase is involved. Based on its reported specificity, we hypothesize that these scissions are catalyzed by PHEX protein. We envision that the proteolytic processing of DMP1 plays a crucial role during osteogenesis and dentinogenesis.

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. Here we report that dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), an acidic protein, can nucleate the formation of hydroxyapatite in vitro in a multistep process that begins by DMP1 binding calcium ions and initiating mineral deposition. The nucleated amorphous calcium phosphate precipitates ripen and nanocrystals form. Subsequently, these expand and coalesce into microscale crystals elongated in the c-axis direction. Characterization of the functional domains in DMP1 demonstrated that intermolecular assembly of acidic clusters into a beta-sheet template was essential for the observed mineral nucleation. Protein-mediated initiation of nanocrystals, as discussed here, might provide a new methodology for constructing nanoscale composites by self-assembly of polypeptides with tailor-made peptide sequences.

Dentin sialoprotein isoforms: detection and characterization of a high molecular weight dentin sialoprotein

Dentin sialoprotein (DSP) is a glycoprotein accounting for 5-8% of the dentin non-collagenous proteins. The cDNA sequence predicts that rat DSP has 13 potential casein kinase phosphorylation sites and six potential N-linked glycosylation sites. However, its total phosphorylation level, as well as the nature and locations of the carbohydrate moieties, are unknown. Our findings in the present study show that rat DSP has 6.2 phosphates per molecule and that the majority of carbohydrates are attached to the protein through N-linked glycosylations. During our separation of dentin non-collagenous proteins with ion-exchange chromatography, we observed high molecular weight components eluting late in the salt gradient that were recognized by anti-DSP antibodies. We have purified these high molecular weight components using a monoclonal anti-DSP antibody affinity column. Data from amino acid analysis, phosphate level measurements and Edman degradation of tryptic peptides unequivocally proved that the very acidic, high molecular weight components are isoforms of DSP (designated HMW-DSP). Deglycosylation analysis indicates that the slower migration rate of HMW-DSP on SDS-PAGE results from its higher level of carbohydrate modifications.

Extracellular matrix proteins and the dynamics of dentin formation

Dentinogenesis involves controlled reactions that result in conversion of unmineralized predentin to dentin when apatite crystals are formed. This process is dynamic: Maturation events occur within predentin beginning at the proximal layer and progressing to the predentin-dentin (PD) border. One type of controlled reaction is the proteolytic processing of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) to dentin sialoprotein (DSP) and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP), by cleavage of at least three highly conserved peptide bonds. We postulate that this processing event represents an activation step, resulting in release of DPP, which is active in its effects on formation and growth of apatite crystals. Dentin matrix protein 1 (DPM1), present as a processed fragment (57-kD protein) in bone, is seen in dentin on sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as one intact protein of 150-200 kD. Anti-57-kD antibodies elicit immunoreactivity in bone, dentin, and cellular cementum. In bone, the reactivity is associated with osteocytes and their cell processes. Similarly, dentin shows reactivity in odontoblasts, predentin, and the odontoblast processes. In summary, the processing of large sialic acid-rich proteins into smaller fragments may be an important part of the controlled conversion of predentin to dentin and osteoid to bone.

Enamelysin and kallikrein-4 mRNA expression in developing mouse molars

Proteolytic processing and degradation of enamel matrix proteins appears to be an essential feature of dental enamel formation. The source and character of proteolytic activity in the enamel matrix of developing teeth changes as enamel formation progresses. Two proteinases have been isolated from the extracellular enamel matrix of developing teeth: enamelysin (MMP-20), a matrix metalloproteinase. and kallikrein-4 (KLK4), a serine proteinase. Here, we ask if the expression of MMP-20 and KLK4 correlate with the stage-associated changes in the digestion of enamel proteins. Using in situ hybridization, we localized MMP-20 and KLK4 mRNA in mouse maxillary first molars on postnatal days 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, and 14. Enamelysin signal was first detected in preameloblasts, ameloblasts, and odontoblasts on day 2, but not in ameloblasts covering the enamel-free zone. Enamelysin signal declined in ameloblasts on day 6 but persisted in the dental pulp. In contrast, KLK4 transcripts were first observed on day 3 in pulp and on day 6 in ameloblasts covering the enamel-free zone. the KLK4 signal was present in maturation-stage ameloblasts on days 9, 11, and 14. The expression patterns of MMP-20 and KLK4 by ameloblasts in mouse molars are stage-specific and complementary.

The expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein gene in bone

Dentin sialoprotein (DSP) and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) are expressed as a single mRNA transcript coding for a large precursor protein termed dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). DSP, DPP, and DSPP have been considered to be tooth-specific. To test for the expression of the dspp gene in bone, we performed Western immunoblots and reverse-transcription polymerase chain-reaction (RT-PCR). With Western immunoblots, we detected DSP in the Gdm/EDTA extracts of rat long bone, at a level of about 1/400 of that in dentin. Using RT-PCR, we detected DSPP mRNA in mouse calvaria. Similar to Western immunoblots, the results of RT-PCR indicated that the dspp gene is expressed at a lower level in bone than in dentin and odontoblasts. Analysis of the data shows that DSPP is not a tooth-specific protein, and that dramatically different regulatory mechanisms governing DSPP expression are involved in the bone and dentin.

Differential expression of dentin matrix protein 1, type I collagen and osteocalcin genes in rat developing mandibular bone

The expression of dentin matrix protein 1 (Dmp1) mRNA has been compared with that of type I collagen and osteocalcin mRNAs during bone formation in the rat mandible, using in situ hybridization. At embryonic day 15 (E15), type I collagen and osteocalcin mRNAs were expressed by the majority of newly-differentiated osteoblasts attached to unmineralized bone matrices, whereas Dmp1 mRNA expression was confined to only a few osteoblasts. Expression of these genes increased as the number of osteoblasts increased in specimens from E16 to E18. At E20, expression of Dmp1, type I collagen and osteocalcin was also observed in osteocytes. Dmp1 expression continued in osteocytes as they matured up to the 90-day-old specimens, whereas type I collagen and osteocalcin expression in osteocytes almost disappeared at 30 days of postnatal life. In contrast, osteoblasts continued to express type I collagen and osteocalcin in 90-day-old rats, but transiently expressed Dmp1 mRNA, which was seen in the minority of osteoblasts at 14 days of postnatal life. These data show that the developmental expression patterns of Dmp1 in osteogenic differentiation differ from those of type I collagen and osteocalcin, and Dmp1 appears to be expressed by osteocytes throughout ossification in the skeleton. These observations indicate that Dmp1 may serve unique biological functions in osteocyte and bone metabolism.