Quantitative immunohistochemical evidence of a functional gradient of chondroitin 4-sulphate/dermatan sulphate, developmentally regulated in the predentine of rat incisor

Removal of water binding proteins from dentin increases the adhesion strength of low-hydrophilicity dental resins

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the role of proteoglycans (PGs) on the physical properties of the dentin matrix and the bond strength of methacrylate resins with varying hydrophilicities.

METHODS

Dentin were obtained from crowns of human molars. Enzymatic removal of PGs followed a standard protocol using 1 mg/mL trypsin (Try) for 24 h. Controls were incubated in ammonium bicarbonate buffer. Removal of PGs was assessed by visualization of glycosaminoglycan chains (GAGs) in dentin under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The dentin matrix swelling ratio was estimated using fully demineralized dentin. Dentin wettability was assessed on wet, dry and re-wetted dentin surfaces through water contact angle measurements. Microtensile bond strength test (TBS) was performed with experimental adhesives containing 6% HEMA (H₆) and 18% HEMA (H₁₈) and a commercial dental adhesive. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and post-hoc tests (α = 0.05).

RESULTS

The enzymatic removal of PGs was confirmed by the absence and fragmentation of GAGs. There was statistically significant difference between the swelling ratio of Try-treated and control dentin (p < 0.001). Significantly lower contact angle was found for Try-treated on wet and dry dentin (p < 0.002). The contact angle on re-wet dentin was not recovered in Try-treated group (p = 0.9). Removal of PGs significantly improved the TBS of H₆ (109% higher, p < 0.001) and H₁₈ (29% higher, p = 0.002) when compared to control. The TBS of commercial adhesive was not affected by trypsin treatment (p = 0.9).

SIGNIFICANCE

Changing the surface energy of dentin by PGs removal improved resin adhesion, likely due to more efficient water displacement, aiding to improved resin infiltration and polymerization.

Structural and biomechanical changes to dentin extracellular matrix following chemical removal of proteoglycans

Proteoglycans are biomacromolecules with significant biomineralization and structural roles in the dentin extracellular matrix. This study comprehensively assessed the mechanical properties and morphology of the dentin extracellular matrix following chemical removal of proteoglycans to elucidate the structural roles of proteoglycans in dentin. Dentin extracellular matrix was prepared from extracted teeth after complete tissue demineralization. Chemical removal of proteoglycans was carried-out using guanidine hydrochloride for up to 10 days. The removal of proteoglycans was determined by dimethylmethylene blue colorimetric assay and histological staining analyses using transmission electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The modulus of elasticity of dentin matrix was determined by a 3-point bending test method. Partial removal of proteoglycans induced significant modifications to the dentin matrix, particularly to type I collagen. Removal of proteoglycans significantly decreased the modulus of elasticity of dentin extracellular matrix (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, the subtle disruption of proteoglycans induces pronounced changes to the collagen network packing and the bulk modulus of elasticity of dentin matrix.

Role of mineralization inhibitors in the regulation of hard tissue biomineralization: relevance to initial enamel formation and maturation

Vertebrate mineralized tissues, i.e., enamel, dentin, cementum, and bone, have unique hierarchical structures and chemical compositions. Although these tissues are similarly comprised of a crystalline calcium apatite mineral phase and a protein component, they differ with respect to crystal size and shape, level and distribution of trace mineral ions, the nature of the proteins present, and their relative proportions of mineral and protein components. Despite apparent differences, mineralized tissues are similarly derived by highly concerted extracellular processes involving matrix proteins, proteases, and mineral ion fluxes that collectively regulate the nucleation, growth and organization of forming mineral crystals. Nature, however, provides multiple ways to control the onset, rate, location, and organization of mineral deposits in developing mineralized tissues. Although our knowledge is quite limited in some of these areas, recent evidence suggests that hard tissue formation is, in part, controlled through the regulation of specific molecules that inhibit the mineralization process. This paper addresses the role of mineralization inhibitors in the regulation of biological mineralization with emphasis on the relevance of current findings to the process of amelogenesis. Mineralization inhibitors can also serve to maintain driving forces for calcium phosphate precipitation and prevent unwanted mineralization. Recent evidence shows that native phosphorylated amelogenins have the capacity to prevent mineralization through the stabilization of an amorphous calcium phosphate precursor phase, as observed in vitro and in developing teeth. Based on present findings, the authors propose that the transformation of initially formed amorphous mineral deposits to enamel crystals is an active process associated with the enzymatic processing of amelogenins. Such processing may serve to control both initial enamel crystal formation and subsequent maturation.

Osteoadherin accumulates in the predentin towards the mineralization front in the developing tooth

Background

Proteoglycans (PG) are known to be involved in the organization and assembly of the extracellular matrix (ECM) prior to mineral deposition. Osteoadherin (OSAD), a keratan sulphate PG is a member of the small leucine-rich (SLRP) family of PGs and unlike other SLRPs, OSAD expression is restricted to mineralized tissues. It is proposed to have a high affinity for hydroxyapatite and has been shown to be expressed by mature osteoblasts but its exact role remains to be elucidated.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We investigated the protein distribution of OSAD in the developing mouse tooth using immunohistochemistry and compared its expression with other SLRPs, biglycan (BGN), decorin (DCN) and fibromodulin (FMD). OSAD was found to be specifically localized in the predentin layer of the tooth and focused at the mineralization front. These studies were confirmed at the ultrastructural level using electron microscopy (iEM), where the distribution of immunogold labeled OSAD particles were quantified and significant amounts were found in the predentin, forming a gradient towards the mineralization front. In addition, iEM results revealed OSAD to lie in close association with collagen fibers, further suggesting an important role for OSAD in the organization of the ECM. The expression profile of mineralization-related SLRP genes by rat dental pulp cells exposed to mineralization inducing factors, showed an increase in all SLRP genes. Indeed, OSAD expression was significantly increased during the mineralization process, specifically following, matrix maturation, and finally mineral deposition. Alizarin Red S staining for calcium deposition showed clear bone-like nodules, which support matrix maturation and mineralization.

Conclusions

These studies provide new evidence for the role of OSAD in the mineralization process and its specific localization in the predentin layer accumulating at the mineralization front highlighting its role in tooth development.

Biominerals--hierarchical nanocomposites: the example of bone

Many organisms incorporate inorganic solids in their tissues to enhance their functional, primarily mechanical, properties. These mineralized tissues, also called biominerals, are unique organo-mineral nanocomposites, organized at several hierarchical levels, from nano- to macroscale. Unlike man-made composite materials, which often are simple physical blends of their components, the organic and inorganic phases in biominerals interface at the molecular level. Although these tissues are made of relatively weak components under ambient conditions, their hierarchical structural organization and intimate interactions between different elements lead to superior mechanical properties. Understanding basic principles of formation, structure, and functional properties of these tissues might lead to novel bioinspired strategies for material design and better treatments for diseases of the mineralized tissues. This review focuses on general principles of structural organization, formation, and functional properties of biominerals on the example the bone tissues.

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.

Adhesion to chondroitinase ABC treated dentin

Dentin bonding relies on complete resin impregnation throughout the demineralised hydrophilic collagen mesh. Chondroitin sulphate-glycosaminoglycans are claimed to regulate the three-dimensional arrangement of the dentin organic matrix and its hydrophilicity. The aim of this study was to investigate bond strength of two etch-and-rinse adhesives to chondroitinase ABC treated dentin. Human extracted molars were treated with chondroitinase ABC and a double labeling immunohistochemical technique was applied to reveal type I collagen and chondroitin 4/6 sulphate distribution under field emission in-lens scanning electron microscope. The immunohistochemical technique confirmed the effective removal of chondroitin 4/6 sulphate after the enzymatic treatment. Dentin surfaces exposed to chondroitinase ABC and untreated specimens prepared on untreated acid-etched dentin were bonded with Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose or Prime and Bond NT. Bonded specimens were submitted to microtensile testing and nanoleakage interfacial analysis under transmission electron microscope. Increased mean values of microtensile bond strength and reduced nanoleakage expression were found for both adhesives after chondroitinase ABC treatment of the dentin surface. Adper Scotchbond Multi-Purpose increased its bond strength about 28%, while bonding made with Prime and Bond NT almost doubled (92% increase) compared to untreated specimens. This study supports the hypothesis that adhesion can be enhanced by removal of chondroitin 4/6 sulphate and dermatan sulphate, probably due to a reduced amount of water content and enlarged interfibrillar spaces. Further studies should validate this hypothesis investigating the stability of chondroitin 4/6 and dermatan sulphate-depleted dentin bonded interface over time.

Towards a model of the mineral-organic interface in bone: NMR of the structure of synthetic glycosaminoglycan- and polyaspartate-calcium phosphate composites

We have synthesised three materials-chondroitin sulphate (ChS, a commercial product derived from shark cartilage and predominantly chondroitin-6-sulphate (Ch-6-S)) bound to pre-formed hydroxyapatite (HA, Ca(10)(PO(4))(6)(OH)(2)), HA formed in the presence of ChS and poly-Asp bound to pre-formed HA-to generate models for the mineral-organic interface in bone. The three materials have been investigated by (13)C cross polarisation magic-angle spinning (CPMAS) NMR, (13)C{(31)P} rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) and powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) in order to verify their composition and to determine the nature of their binding to HA. Our results show that for HA formed in the presence of Ch-6-S, all carbon atoms in the Ch-6-S having contact with mineral phosphate. We propose that HA in this case forms all around the Ch-6-S polymer rather than along one face of it as is more commonly supposed in cases of templating by organic molecules. However, Ch-6-S binding to pre-formed HA probably occurs via a surface layer of water on the mineral rather than to the mineral directly. In contrast, poly-Asp binds closely to the pre-formed HA surface and so is clearly able to displace at least some of the surface-bound water.

Immunohistochemical identification of decorin and biglycan in human dentin: a correlative field emission scanning electron microscopy/transmission electron microscopy study

Decorin and biglycan, two small leucine-rich proteoglycans, have been proposed to play important roles in matrix-mediated formation of mineralized tissues, and their three-dimensional arrangement in human dentin is still not completely understood. The aim of this study was to immunohistochemically analyze the distribution of decorin and biglycan in human predentin/dentin organic matrix under a high-resolution field emission in-lens scanning electron microscope (FEI-SEM) and a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Tooth dentin specimens were submitted to either a preembedding or a postembedding immunolabeling technique using primary antibodies antidecorin and antibiglycan and gold-conjugated secondary antibodies. Correlative FEI-SEM/TEM observations showed that the two antibodies yielded a similar labeling pattern over the processes of odontoblasts and the predentin. Decorin and biglycan were mainly associated with the collagen fibers within the predentin layer, revealing a moderate immunoreaction that was significantly higher compared to the one observed on dentin. Thus, a generally weak labeling for decorin was found in dentin, which, however, was significantly higher on odontoblast processes within dentinal tubules than in intertubular dentin. On the other hand, biglycan immunolocalization on dentin revealed few gold particles rather uniformly distributed, without showing significant differences between tubular and intertubular regions. In conclusion, this study reveals distinct distribution patterns of decorin and biglycan and their relation with collagen. Decorin's and biglycan's precise roles within prematrix and mineralized matrix in human teeth should be further clarified.

Immunohistochemical identification of type I and type III collagen and chondroitin sulphate in human pre-dentine: a correlative FEI-SEM/TEM study

AIM

To identify type I- (I-CF) and type III-collagen fibrils (III-CF) and chondroitin 4/6 sulphate (CS) within human pre-dentine by means of a correlative analysis under field emission in-lens-scanning electron microscopy (FEI-SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

METHODOLOGY

Human-extracted teeth were obtained and submitted to either a pre-embedding or a post-embedding immunolabelling procedure using monoclonal primary antibodies anti-I-CF, anti-III-CF and anti-CS. Gold-conjugated secondary antibodies were coupled to primary antibodies to visualize labelling under the electron beam. Correlative labelling patterns were obtained for I-CF and CS under both FEI-SEM and TEM.

RESULTS

Field emission in lens-SEM analysis revealed an intricate three-dimensional network of I-CF and CS clarifying the intimate relationship between the two main components of the pre-dentine organic matrix. TEM analysis revealed odontoblasts exhibiting intracellular labelling for CS, which became more intense and diffuse over the pre-dentine organic matrix. The same diffuse immunoreaction was revealed for I-CF, whereas a weak immunolocalization of III-CF was found scattered throughout the pre-dentine layer and over the collagen fibrils.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the pre- and post-embedding immunohistochemical approaches have led to the visualization of CF- and CS-labelling distribution within the pre-dentine layer, adding further knowledge on the elucidation of collagen-proteoglycans interaction in the organic matrix of human dental roots.

Effects of citric acid and EDTA conditioning on exposed root dentin: An immunohistochemical analysis of collagen and proteoglycans

OBJECTIVE

Preservation of structural and biochemical properties of the root dentin matrix is crucial to favor healing and regenerative periodontal processes. Aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical characteristics of collagen and chondroitin sulphate of root dentin surfaces exposed by periodontal disease after acid conditioning by means of an immunohistochemical technique.

DESIGN

Human teeth scheduled for extraction due to periodontal reason were submitted to: (A) scaling and root planning; (B) ultrasonic instrumentation; (C) no instrumentation. Teeth were then exposed to: (1) 10% citric acid; (2) 17% EDTA; (3) no etching. A double immunolabeling technique was performed to identify type-I collagen and proteoglycans and analyzed under FEI-SEM.

RESULTS

Use of 10% citric acid revealed intense labeling for collagen fibrils and proteoglycans; lower labeling was found after EDTA conditioning. Unetched specimens showed residual smear layer on the dentin surface resulting in no evident surface labeling.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the hypothesis that manual or ultrasonic instrumentation alone is not able to expose the sound dentin matrix, whereas a subsequent acidic conditioning exposes collagen fibrils and associated proteoglycans. The immunohistochemical technique revealed that despite their acidity, both citric acid and EDTA were able to preserve the structural and biochemical properties of the exposed dentin matrix.

Reduced antigenicity of type I collagen and proteoglycans in sclerotic dentin

Antigenic alterations to the dentin organic matrix may be detected by an immunohistochemical approach. We hypothesized that alterations in the antigenicity of type I collagen and proteoglycans occur in sclerotic dentin under caries lesions. Transverse sections were prepared from carious teeth in the sclerotic zone and normal hard dentin. A double-immunolabeling technique was performed on these sections, with anti-type I collagen and anti-chondroitin 4/6 sulfate monoclonal primary antibodies. We used gold-conjugated secondary antibodies to visualize the distribution of intact collagen fibrils and proteoglycans by high-resolution SEM. For sclerotic dentin, labeling densities were 19.57 +/- 3.01/microm2 for collagen and 9.84 +/- 2.62/microm2 for proteoglycans. For normal hard dentin, values were 35.20 +/- 2.73/microm2 and 17.03 +/- 1.98/microm2, respectively. Distribution of intact collagen fibrils and proteoglycans in sclerotic dentin was significantly lower than in normal hard dentin. Reductions in antigenicity from the organic matrix of sclerotic dentin under caries lesions raise concern about the potential of intrafibrillar remineralization.

Fibromodulin-deficient Mice Display Impaired Collagen Fibrillogenesis in Predentin as Well as Altered Dentin Mineralization and Enamel Formation

To determine the functions of fibromodulin (Fmod), a small leucine-rich keratan sulfate proteoglycan in tooth formation, we investigated the distribution of Fmod in dental tissues by immunohistochemistry and characterized the dental phenotype of 1-day-old Fmod-deficient mice using light and transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry was also used to compare the relative protein expression of dentin sialoprotein (DSP), dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP 1), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteopontin (OPN) between Fmod-deficient mice and wild-type mice. In normal mice and rats, Fmod immunostaining was mostly detected in the distal cell bodies of odontoblasts and in the stratum intermedium and was weaker in odontoblast processes and predentin. The absence of Fmod impaired dentin mineralization, increased the diameter of the collagen fibrils throughout the whole predentin, and delayed enamel formation. Immunohistochemistry provides evidence for compensatory mechanisms in Fmod-deficient mice. Staining for DSP and OPN was decreased in molars, whereas DMP 1 and BSP were enhanced. In the incisors, labeling for DSP, DMP 1, and BSP was strongly increased in the pulp and odontoblasts, whereas OPN staining was decreased. Positive staining was also seen for DMP 1 and BSP in secretory ameloblasts. Together these studies indicate that Fmod restricts collagen fibrillogenesis in predentin while promoting dentin mineralization and the early stages of enamel formation. (J Histochem Cytochem 54:525-537, 2006)

The cementum-dentin junction also contains glycosaminoglycans and collagen fibrils

The presence of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and their contribution to mechanical properties of the cementum-dentin junction (CDJ) were investigated using nanometer scale characterization techniques. Five to two millimeter thick transverse sections from the apical ends of human molars were ultrasectioned at room temperature under wet conditions using a diamond knife and an ultramicrotome. The structure of the CDJ under dry and wet conditions before and after digestion of GAGs and collagen fibrils was studied using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The mechanical properties of the untreated and enzyme treated CDJ under wet conditions were studied using an AFM-based nanoindenter. GAG digestion was performed for 1, 3, and 5 h at 37 degrees C using chondroitinase-ABC. Collagen fibril digestion was performed for 24 and 48 h at 37 degrees C using collagenase. As reported previously, AFM scans of dry untreated CDJ (control) revealed a valley, which transformed into a peak under wet conditions. The height differences relative to cementum and dentin of untreated and treated CDJ were determined by measuring the CDJ profile under dry and wet conditions. The depth of the valley of GAG and collagen-digested CDJ was greater than that of undigested CDJ under dry conditions. The height of the peak of GAG-digested CDJ was significantly higher than that of the undigested CDJ under wet conditions. The collagen-digested CDJ under wet conditions is assumed to form a valley because of the removal of collagen fibrils from the CDJ. However, the depth of the valley was lower compared to the depth under dry conditions. Wet AFM-based nanoindentation showed that the elastic modulus and hardness of control (3.3+/-1.2 and 0.08+/-0.03 GPa) were significantly higher (ANOVA & SNK, P < 0.05) than chondroitinase-ABC treated CDJ (0.9+/-0.4 and 0.02+/-0.004 GPa) and collagenase treated CDJ (1.5+/-0.6 and 0.04+/-0.01 GPa). No significant difference in mechanical properties between chondroitinase-ABC and collagenase treated CDJ was observed. Based on the results it was concluded that the 10-50 microm wide CDJ is a composite that includes, chondroitin-4-sulfate, chondroitin-6-sulfate, and possibly dermatan sulfate, and collagen fibrils. The association of GAGs with the collagen fibrils provides the observed controlled hydration and partially contributes toward the stiffness of the CDJ under wet conditions.

Modulation of collagen fibrillogenesis by dentinal proteoglycans

Studies have identified different pools of proteoglycan (PG) species present within the unmineralized matrix of the predentine, the transitional phase at the predentine-dentine interface and the mineralized dentine. These PGs alter with respect to the chemical nature of their glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains and as a result of extracellular processing of the macromolecule in the matrix. The present study has examined the influence of the PGs isolated from these phases and the influence of the attached GAG chains, upon their ability to control collagen fibrillogenesis. PGs isolated from the three phases were characterized and determined to contain a mixture of decorin and biglycan. Results have indicated that predentine PGs, which are substituted with a higher proportion of dermatan sulfate, significantly delayed fibril formation while ultimately promoting the formation of thicker fibrils. Removal of the GAG chains further delayed fibrillogenesis, leading to the formation of thinner fibrils, compared with the collagen-only control. PGs isolated from predentine-dentine, which contained a higher proportion of chondroitin sulfate, also significantly delayed fibrillogenesis, resulting in thicker collagen fibrils. GAG chains attached to the predentine-dentine interface PGs played a role in the timing of fibrillogenesis with fibril formation initiated at the same time as the collagen control, but yielding thicker fibrils. Dentine PGs significantly inhibited fibrillogenesis and fibril thickness over concentrations of 50-25 microg/mL protein. In conclusion, the PGs isolated from the distinct phases have indicated differing roles in the orchestrated organization of the extracellular matrix during dentinogenesis, with roles for both the core protein and attached GAG chains indicated.

Dentinal proteoglycans demonstrate an increasing order of affinity for hydroxyapatite crystals during the transition of predentine to dentine

The transition from an unmineralized predentine to a mineralized dentine involves a variety of molecular extracellular matrix interactions and protein degradation events. Previous studies have identified that different pools of proteoglycan (PG) species are present within the matrix of the predentine, the transitional phase at the predentine-dentine border, and the mineralized dentine. These PGs alter with respect to the chemical nature of the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chain and as a result of extracellular processing of the macromolecule in the matrix. This study has examined the hydroxyapatite (HAP) binding affinity of the PGs isolated from these phases and the influence of the attached GAG chains upon their binding characteristics. PGs isolated from the three phases were characterized to contain a mixture of decorin and biglycan, substituted with chondroitin sulfate GAG chain(s). Maximal binding for dentine PGs onto HAP was achieved at 15.60 microg/ml protein and for predentine-dentine interface PGs at 0.125 mg/ml. A significantly increasing gradient of affinity was observed moving toward dentine, with dentine PGs exhibiting 19 times greater binding affinity for HAP than predentine PGs and 7.5 times greater affinity than predentine-dentine interface PGs. Removal of the GAG chains from dentine PGs significantly reduced binding affinity for HAP but did not influence the number of binding sites. The difference in binding ability observed for the different PG pools gives further support for the involvement of these macromolecules in regulating the transition from predentine to dentine and suggests key roles for the GAG chains in the mineralisation process.

Fluoride-induced changes to proteoglycan structure synthesised within the dentine–pulp complex in vitro

Fluoride is known to influence mineralisation patterns within dentine, where alterations in the post-translational modification of proteoglycans (PG) have been proposed as an implicating factor. In light of recent studies elucidating changing PG profiles in the transition of predentine to mineralised dentine, this study investigates the influence of fluoride on the major PG populations (decorin, biglycan and versican) within the pulp, predentine and dentine. Tooth sections from rat incisors were cultured for 14 days in the presence 0, 1 and 6 mM sodium fluoride and the PG extracted from the pulp, predentine and dentine matrices. PG species and corresponding metabolites were identified by their immuno-reactivity to antibodies against decorin, biglycan and versican. Component glycosaminoglycan chains were characterised with respect to their nature, chain length and disaccharide composition. Levels of PG extracted from pulp and predentine were reduced, particularly for biglycan. Fluoride did not influence levels of decorin or versican within predentine or dentine, although the processing of these macromolecules within pulp and predentine was affected, particularly at higher fluoride concentrations. Levels of dermatan sulfate were reduced within pulp and predentine, although the effect was less pronounced for predentine. Fluoride reduced sulfation of glycosaminoglycan chains within pulp and predentine tissues, with a notable reduction in Deltadi6S evident. In all three tissues, glycosaminoglycan chain length was reduced. Considering the various roles for PG in the dentine-pulp complex, either directly or indirectly in the mineralisation process, changes in the synthesis, structure and processing of the different PG species within the pulp, predentine and dentine matrices provides a further molecular explanation for the altered mineralisation patterns witnessed during fluorosis.

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.

Changing profiles of proteoglycans in the transition of predentine to dentine

Proteoglycans and their constituent glycosaminoglycans have been proposed to play important roles in matrix mediated formation of mineralised tissues, such as dentine. This study has examined the changing profile of proteoglycan species during the transition of unmineralised predentine to mineralised dentine. Three-week-old calves teeth were collected and proteoglycans purified from the predentine, the predentine/dentine interface and dentine. Decorin and biglycan, together with related degradation products, were identified in the predentine fraction, alongside degradation products of versican, indicating metabolism of the proteoglycan components within this tissue. Decorin and biglycan were also identified as major proteoglycan species within extracts from the predentine/dentine interface and dentine. Analysis of the glycosaminoglycan constituents within each fraction demonstrated significant changes in their composition. Predentine contained a high proportion of dermatan sulfate (DS) (51.5%), with chondroitin sulfate (CS) (17.8%) and hyaluronan (HA) (30.7%) additionally identified. Within the predentine/dentine interface the proportion of CS increased greatly (62.5%), with corresponding decrease in the proportion of DS (21.4%) and HA (16.1%) also evident. CS only was identifiable within the dentine matrix. A four-fold increase in the level of sulfation was identified for glycosaminoglycans extracted from the predentine/dentine interface compared with the predentine and dentine fraction. The ratio of DeltaDi4S:DeltaDi6S was higher for glycosaminoglycans isolated from the predentine fraction. Glycosaminoglycans extracted from the dentine fraction possessed longer chain lengths than those present in the predentine and predentine/dentine fractions. The results indicate that the proteoglycans within each fraction undergo subtle structural modification, particularly at the onset of mineralisation, indicating an active involvement of these macromolecules in the overall mineralisation process.

Biglycan is a repressor of amelogenin expression and enamel formation: an emerging hypothesis

The authors suggest that biglycan acts as a repressor of the expression of amelogenin in the two unique groups of cells involved in amelogenin synthesis, namely, the secretory ameloblasts and odontoblasts.

Induction and regulation of crown dentinogenesis: embryonic events as a template for dental tissue repair?

Close regulation of odontoblast differentiation and subsequent secretory activity is critical for dentinogenesis during both embryogenesis and tissue repair. Some dental papilla cells achieve commitment and specific competence, allowing them to respond to epithelially derived inductive signals during the process of odontoblast differentiation. Temporo-spatial regulation of odontoblast differentiation is dependent on matrix-mediated interactions involving the basement membrane (BM). Experimental studies have highlighted the possible roles of growth factors in these processes. Regulation of functional activity of odontoblasts allows for both ordered secretion of the primary dentin matrix and maintenance of vitality and down-regulation of secretory activity throughout secondary dentinogenesis. After injury to the mature tooth, the fate of the odontoblast can vary according to the intensity of the injury. Milder injury can result in up-regulation of functional activity leading to focal secretion of a reactionary dentin matrix, while greater injury can lead to odontoblast cell death. Induction of differentiation of a new generation of odontoblast-like cells can then lead to reparative dentinogenesis. Many similarities exist between development and repair, including matrix-mediation of the cellular processes and the apparent involvement of growth factors as signaling molecules despite the absence of epithelium during repair. While some of the molecular mediators appear to be common to these processes, the close regulation of primary dentinogenesis may be less ordered during tertiary dentinogenic responses.

Proteoglycans in dentinogenesis

The predominant proteoglycans present in predentin and dentin are the chondroitin-sulphate-rich decorin and biglycan and the keratan-sulphate-rich lumican and fibromodulin. These are small, interstitial, leucine-rich proteoglycans which have recently been shown to exist in gradients across the predentin. Antibodies recognizing chondroitin sulphate show a decreasing gradient from the pulpal aspect toward the mineralizing front, the converse being true for keratan sulphate. Antidecorin shows an increase toward the mineralization front. Evidence from biochemical, autoradiographic, and immunohistochemical studies implies that such changes may be brought about by gradients of metalloproteinases. This offers the possibility that the proteoglycans organize the collagen network for receipt of phosphoproteins and phospholipids, the former being evident only at the onset of dentin formation. The suggestion is raised that glycosaminoglycan-depleted leucine-rich protein cores act as sequester points for receipt of phosphoproteins in particular. The rigid, spatially oriented glycosaminoglycan chains on decorin and biglycan are known to bind calcium and may feature directly in mineral initiation.

Differential expression of decorin and biglycan genes during mouse tooth development

Small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) have a number of biological functions and some of them are thought to regulate collagen mineralizaton in bone and tooth. We have previously identified and immunolocalized two members of the SLRPs family, decorin and biglycan, in bovine tooth/periodontium. To investigate their potential roles in tooth development, we examined the mRNA expression patterns of decorin, biglycan and type I collagen in newborn (day 19) mice tooth germs by in situ hybridization. At this developmental stage, the first maxillary and mandibular molars include stages before and after secretion of the predentin matrix, respectively. The expression of decorin mRNA coincided with that of type I collagen mRNA and was mostly observed in secretory odontoblasts, while the biglycan mRNA was expressed throughout the tooth germ, including pre-secretory odontoblasts/ameloblasts, dental papilla and stellate reticulum. However, its signal in secretory odontoblasts was not as evident as that of decorin. In mandibular incisors, where a significant amount of predentin matrix and a small amount of enamel matrix were already secreted, a similar differential expression pattern was observed. In secretory ameloblasts the biglycan mRNA expression was apparent, while that of decorin was not. These differential expression patterns suggest the distinct roles of biglycan and decorin in the process of tooth development.

A transmission electron microscope study using vitrified ice sections of predentin: structural changes in the dentin collagenous matrix prior to mineralization

The assembly of the collagenous organic matrix prior to mineralization is a key step in the formation of bones and teeth. This process was studied in the predentin of continuously forming rat incisors, using unstained vitrified ice sections examined in the transmission electron microscope. Progressing from the odontoblast surface to the mineralization front, the collagen fibrils thicken to ultimately form a dense network, and their repeat D-spacings and banding patterns vary. Using immunolocalization, the most abundant noncollagenous protein in dentin, phosphophoryn, was mapped to the boundaries between the gap and overlap zones along the fibrils nearest the mineralization front. It thus appears that the premineralized collagen matrix undergoes dynamic changes in its structure. These may be mediated by the addition and interaction with the highly anionic noncollagenous proteins associated with collagen. These changes presumably create a collagenous framework that is able to mineralize.

Optimization of 5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester for labeling human intervertebral disc cells in vitro

We have assessed the utility of an intracellular fluorochrome, 5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE), as a tracking label for human intervertebral disc cells in vitro. Although 5 microM provides adequate intracellular labeling for whole cell fluorescent microscopic identification of labeled cells, 20 microM was preferable for immunocytochemical localization of paraffin embedded labeled cells. Electron dense vesicles are seen at the ultrastructural level in labeled cells. Discrete vesicular labeling can also be observed in whole cell mounts viewed with fluorescence microscopy. Whole cells retain good label for 6 weeks. CFSE labeling is relatively easy, nontoxic to cells and nonradiocactive. Initial optimization of dose with specific cells types is recommended when confirmation of positive immunocytochemistry is needed for tissue engineering studies.

Stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) in forming enamel and predentine in rat incisor-coordinated distribution with proteoglycans suggests a functional role

Stromelysin-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-3) or proteoglycanase was visualized by light and electron microscopy immunolabelling in the forming zone of rat incisors. In predentine, labelling was more dense at the transition zone between the inner proximal third and the two outer thirds. Odontoblast processes were also positively stained, mostly in predentine and to a lesser degree in dentine. The dentine-enamel junction was intensely labelled, whereas dentine and forming enamel were only faintly stained. Gold-antibodies complexes were seen inside secretory ameloblasts and odontoblasts in cytosolic locations. The distribution of stromelysin-1 was compared with the distribution of 2-B-6 epitope, an antibody recognizing chondroitin-4-sulphate/dermatan sulphate and which showed a decreasing gradient from the proximal zone to the distal part of predentine. In contrast, both 5-D-4, an anti-keratan sulphate antibody and an anti-lumican antibody displayed a reversed distribution, with an increase seen from the proximal and central thirds to the distal part of predentine. This coordinated distribution suggests that stromelysin-1 may have a functional role, being implicated in predentine in the degradation of chondroitin-4-sulphate/dermatan sulphate-containing proteoglycans, and consequently allowing keratan sulphate proteoglycan concentration to increase near the border where mineralization is initiated.