Association of bovine dentine phosphophoryn with collagen fragments

Isolated dentinogenesis imperfecta and dentin dysplasia: revision of the classification

Dentinogenesis imperfecta is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by severe hypomineralization of dentin and altered dentin structure. Dentin extra cellular matrix is composed of 90% of collagen type I and 10% of non-collagenous proteins among which dentin sialoprotein (DSP), dentin glycoprotein (DGP) and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) are crucial in dentinogenesis. These proteins are encoded by a single gene: dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and undergo several post-translational modifications such as glycosylation and phosphorylation to contribute and to control mineralization. Human mutations of this DSPP gene are responsible for three isolated dentinal diseases classified by Shield in 1973: type II and III dentinogenesis imperfecta and type II dentin dysplasia. Shield classification was based on clinical phenotypes observed in patient. Genetics results show now that these three diseases are a severity variation of the same pathology. So this review aims to revise and to propose a new classification of the isolated forms of DI to simplify diagnosis for practitioners.

Novel dentin phosphoprotein frameshift mutations in dentinogenesis imperfecta type II

The dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) gene encodes the most abundant non-collagenous protein in tooth dentin and DSPP protein is cleaved into several segments including the highly phosphorylated dentin phosphoprotein (DPP). Mutations in the DSPP gene have been solely related to non-syndromic form of hereditary dentin defects. We recruited three Korean families with dentinogenesis imperfecta (DGI) type II and sequenced the exons and exon-intron boundaries of the DSPP gene based on the candidate gene approach. Direct sequencing of PCR products and allele-specific cloning of the highly repetitive exon 5 revealed novel single base pair (bp) deletional mutations (c.2688delT and c.3560delG) introducing hydrophobic amino acids in the hydrophilic repeat domain of the DPP coding region. All affected members of the three families showed exceptionally rapid pulp chambers obliteration, even before tooth eruption. Individuals with the c.3560delG mutation showed only mild, yellowish tooth discoloration, in contrast to the affected individuals from two families with c.2688delT mutation. We believe that these results will help us to understand the molecular pathogenesis of DGI type II as well as the normal process of dentin biomineralization.

Dentin: structure, composition and mineralization

We review firstly the specificities of the different types of dentin present in mammalian teeth. The outer layers include the mantle dentin, the Tomes' granular and the hyaline Hopewell-Smith's layers. Circumpulpal dentin forming the bulk of the tooth, comprises intertubular and peritubular dentin. In addition to physiological primary and secondary dentin formation, reactionary dentin is produced in response to pathological events. Secondly, we evaluate the role of odontoblasts in dentin formation, their implication in the synthesis and secretion of type I collagen fibrils and non-collagenous molecules. Thirdly, we study the composition and functions of dentin extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules implicated in dentinogenesis. As structural proteins they are mineralization promoters or inhibitors. They are also signaling molecules. Three different forms of dentinogenesis are identified: i) matrix vesicles are implicated in early dentin formation, ii) collagen and some proteoglycans are involved in the formation of predentin, further transformed into intertubular dentin, iii) the distal secretion of some non-collagenous ECM molecules and some serum proteins contribute to the formation of peritubular dentin.

Dentin sialophosphoprotein in biomineralization

Two of the proteins found in significant quantity in the extracellular matrix (ECM) of dentin are dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) and dentin sialoprotein (DSP). DPP, the most abundant of the noncollagenous proteins (NCPs) in dentin is an unusually polyanionic protein, containing a large number of aspartic acids (Asp) and phosphoserines (Pse) in the repeating sequences of (Asp-Pse)(n). and (Asp-Pse-Pse)(n). The many negatively charged regions of DPP are thought to promote mineralization by binding calcium and presenting it to collagen fibers at the mineralization front during the formation of dentin. This purported role of DPP is supported by a sizeable pool of in vitro mineralization data showing that DPP is an important initiator and modulator for the formation and growth of hydroxyapatite (HA) crystals. Quite differently, DSP is a glycoprotein, with little or no phosphate. DPP and DSP are the cleavage products of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). Human and mouse genetic studies have demonstrated that mutations in, or knockout of, the Dspp gene result in mineralization defects in dentin and/or bone. The discoveries in the past 40 years with regard to DPP, DSP, and DSPP have greatly enhanced our understanding of biomineralization and set a new stage for future studies. In this review, we summarize the important and new developments made in the past four decades regarding the structure and regulation of the Dspp gene, the biochemical characteristics of DSPP, DPP, and DSP as well as the cell/tissue localizations and functions of these molecules.

Phosphoric acid esters cannot replace polyvinylphosphonic acid as phosphoprotein analogs in biomimetic remineralization of resin-bonded dentin

Polyvinylphosphonic acid (PVPA), a biomimetic analog of phosphoproteins, is crucial for recruiting polyacrylic acid (PAA)-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate nanoprecursors during biomimetic remineralization of dentin collagen matrices. This study tested the null hypothesis that phosphoric acid esters of methacrylates in dentin adhesives cannot replace PVPA during bimimetic remineralization of resin-dentin interfaces. Human dentin specimens were bonded with: (I) XP Bond, an etch-and-rinse adhesive using moist bonding; (II) XP Bond using dry bonding; (III) Adper Prompt L-Pop, a self-etching adhesive. The control medium contained only set Portland cement and a simulated body fluid (SBF) without any biomimetic analog. Two experimental Portland cement/SBF remineralization media were evaluated: the first contained PAA as the sole biomimetic analog, the second contained PAA and PVPA as dual biomimetic analogs. No remineralization of the resin-dentin interfaces could be identified from specimens immersed in the control medium. After 2-4 months in the first experimental medium, specimens exhibited either no remineralization or large crystal formation within hybrid layers. Only specimens immersed in the second remineralization medium produced nanocrystals that accounted for intrafibrillar remineralization within hybrid layers. The null hypothesis could not be rejected; phosphoric acid esters in dentin adhesives cannot replace PVPA during biomimetic remineralization of adhesive-bonded dentin.

Temporal and spatial localization of the dentin matrix proteins during dentin biomineralization

Formation of bone and dentin are classical examples of matrix-mediated mineralization. The mineral phase is essentially the same in these two tissues and primarily consists of a carbonated hydroxyapatite, but the difference lies in the crystal size and shape. There are three components that are necessary for proper mineralization, namely the proper synthesis and secretion of the non-collagenous proteins (NCPs), self-assembly of the collagenous matrix, and delivery of calcium and phosphate ions to the extracellular matrix. Three major NCPs present in the dentin matrix are dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), dentin phosphophorin (DPP), and dentin sialoprotein (DSP). In this study, we show the temporal and spatial localization of these NCPs and correlate their expression with the presence of collagenous matrix and calcified deposits in developing mouse incisors and molars. DMP1, an acidic protein, is present predominantly at the mineralization front and in the nucleus of undifferentiated preodontoblast cells. DPP, the major NCP, is present in large amounts at the mineralization front and might function to regulate the size of the growing hydroxyapatite crystals. For the first time, we report the localization of DPP in the nucleus of preodontoblast cells, suggesting a signaling function during the odontoblast differentiation process. DSP is localized predominantly in the dentinal tubules at the site of peritubular dentin, which is highly mineralized in nature. Thus, the precise localization of DMP1, DPP, and DSP in the dentin tissue suggests that a concerted effort between several NCPs is necessary for dentin formation.

Bio-inspired Synthesis of Mineralized Collagen Fibrils

Mineralized collagen fibrils constitute a basic structural unit of collagenous mineralized tissues such as dentin and bone. Understanding of the mechanisms of collagen mineralization is vital for development of new materials for the hard tissue repair. We carried out bio-inspired mineralization of reconstituted collagen fibrils using poly-l-aspartic acid, as an analog of non-collagenous acidic proteins. Transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction studies of the reaction products revealed stacks of ribbon-shaped apatitic crystals, deposited within the fibrils with their c-axes co-aligned with the fibril axes. Such structural organization closely resembles mineralized collagen of bone and dentin. Initial mineral deposits formed in the fibrils lacked a long range crystallographic order and transformed into crystals with time. Interestingly, the shape and organization of these amorphous deposits was similar to the crystals found in the mature mineralized fibrils. We demonstrate that the interactions between collagen and poly-l-aspartic acid are essential for the mineralized collagen fibrils formation, while collagen alone does not affect mineral formation and poly-l-aspartic acid inhibits mineralization in a concentration dependant manner. These results provide new insights into basic mechanisms of collagen mineralization and can lead to the development of novel bio-inspired nanostructured materials.

Candidate cell and matrix interaction domains on the collagen fibril, the predominant protein of vertebrates

Type I collagen, the predominant protein of vertebrates, polymerizes with type III and V collagens and non-collagenous molecules into large cable-like fibrils, yet how the fibril interacts with cells and other binding partners remains poorly understood. To help reveal insights into the collagen structure-function relationship, a data base was assembled including hundreds of type I collagen ligand binding sites and mutations on a two-dimensional model of the fibril. Visual examination of the distribution of functional sites, and statistical analysis of mutation distributions on the fibril suggest it is organized into two domains. The "cell interaction domain" is proposed to regulate dynamic aspects of collagen biology, including integrin-mediated cell interactions and fibril remodeling. The "matrix interaction domain" may assume a structural role, mediating collagen cross-linking, proteoglycan interactions, and tissue mineralization. Molecular modeling was used to superimpose the positions of functional sites and mutations from the two-dimensional fibril map onto a three-dimensional x-ray diffraction structure of the collagen microfibril in situ, indicating the existence of domains in the native fibril. Sequence searches revealed that major fibril domain elements are conserved in type I collagens through evolution and in the type II/XI collagen fibril predominant in cartilage. Moreover, the fibril domain model provides potential insights into the genotype-phenotype relationship for several classes of human connective tissue diseases, mechanisms of integrin clustering by fibrils, the polarity of fibril assembly, heterotypic fibril function, and connective tissue pathology in diabetes and aging.

Dentin sialophosphoprotein is processed by MMP-2 and MMP-20 in vitro and in vivo

Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is a major secretory product of odontoblasts and is critical for proper tooth dentin formation. During dentinogenesis, DSPP is proteolytically cleaved into smaller subunits. These cleavages are proposed activation steps, and failure to make these cleavages is a potential cause of developmental tooth defects. We tested the hypothesis that dentin-resident matrix metalloproteinases catalyze the cleavages that process DSPP. We defined the exact DSPP cleavages that are catalyzed by proteases during crown formation by isolating DSPP-derived proteins from developing porcine molars and characterizing their N-terminal sequences and apparent size on SDS-PAGE and Western blots. The in vivo DSPP cleavage sites were on the N-terminal sides of Thr(200), Ser(330), Val(353), Leu(360), Ile(362), Ser(377), Ser(408), and Asp(458). The initial DSPP cleavage is between dentin glycoprotein (DGP) and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP), generating dentin sialoprotein (DSP)/DGP and DPP. Gelatin and casein zymograms identified MMP-2, MMP-20, and KLK4 in the dentin extracts. MMP-2 and MMP-20 were purified from over 150 g of porcine dentin powder and incubated with DSP-DGP and DPP. These enzymes show no activity in further cleaving DPP. MMP-20 cleaves DSP-DGP to generate DSP and DGP. MMP-20 also cleaves DSP at multiple sites, releasing N-terminal DSP cleavage products ranging in size from 25 to 38 kDa. MMP-2 makes multiple cleavages near the DSP C terminus, releasing larger forms of DGP, or "extended DGPs." Exact correspondence between DSPP cleavage sites that occur in vivo and those generated in vitro demonstrates that MMP-2 and MMP-20 process DSPP into smaller subunits in the dentin matrix during odontogenesis.