Antibodies to murine amelogenins: localization of enamel proteins during tooth organ development in vitro

Amelogenin interacts with cytokeratin-5 in ameloblasts during enamel growth

The enamel protein amelogenin binds to GlcNAc (Ravindranath, R. M. H., Moradian-Oldak, R., and Fincham, A.G. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 2464-2471) and to the GlcNAc-mimicking peptide (GMp) (Ravindranath, R. M. H., Tam, W., Nguyen, P., and Fincham, A. G. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 39654-39661). The GMp motif in the N-terminal region of the cytokeratin 14 of ameloblasts binds to trityrosyl motif peptide (ATMP) of amelogenin (Ravindranath, R. M. H., Tam, W., Bringas, P., Santos, V., and Fincham, A. G. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 36586 - 36597). K14 (Type I) pairs with K5 (Type II) in basal epithelial cells; GlcNAc-acylated K5 is identified in ameloblasts. Dosimetric analysis showed the binding affinity of amelogenin to K5 and to GlcNAc-acylated-positive control, ovalbumin. The specific binding of [3H]ATMP with K5 or ovalbumin was confirmed by Scatchard analysis. [3H]ATMP failed to bind to K5 after removal of GlcNAc. Blocking K5 with ATMP abrogates the K5-amelogenin interaction. K5 failed to bind to ATMP when the third proline was substituted with threonine, as in some cases of human X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta or when tyrosyl residues were substituted with phenylalanine. Confocal laser scan microscopic observations on ameloblasts during postnatal (PN) growth of the teeth showed that the K5-amelogenin complex migrated from the cytoplasm to the periphery (on PN day 1) and accumulated at the apical region on day 3. Secretion of amelogenin commences from day 1. K5, similar to K14, may play a role of chaperone during secretion of amelogenin. Upon secretion of amelogenin, K5 pairs with K14. Pairing of K5 and K14 commences on day 3 and ends on day 9. The pairing of K5 and K14 marks the end of secretion of amelogenin.

Membranes, minerals, and proteins of developing vertebrate enamel

Developing tooth enamel is formed as organized mineral in a specialized protein matrix. In order to analyze patterns of enamel mineralization and enamel protein expression in species representative of the main extant vertebrate lineages, we investigated developing teeth in a chondrichthyan, the horn shark, a teleost, the guppy, a urodele amphibian, the Mexican axolotl, an anuran amphibian, the leopard frog, two lepidosauria, a gecko and an iguana, and two mammals, a marsupial, the South American short-tailed gray opossum, and the house mouse. Electron microscopic analysis documented the presence of a distinct basal lamina in all species investigated. Subsequent stages of enamel biomineralization featured highly organized long and parallel enamel crystals in mammals, lepidosaurians, the frog, and the shark, while amorphous mineral deposits and/or randomly oriented crystals were observed in the guppy and the axolotl. In situ hybridization using a full-length mouse probe for amelogenin mRNA resulted in amelogenin specific signals in mouse, opossum, gecko, frog, axolotl, and shark. Using immunohistochemistry, amelogenin and tuftelin enamel proteins were detected in the enamel organ of many species investigated, but tuftelin epitopes were also found in other tissues. The anti-M179 antibody, however, did not react with the guppy and axolotl enameloid matrix. We conclude that basic features of vertebrate enamel/enameloid formation such as the presence of enamel proteins or the mineral deposition along the dentin-enamel junction were highly conserved in vertebrates. There were also differences in terms of enamel protein distribution and mineral organization between the vertebrates lineages. Our findings indicated a correlation between the presence of amelogenins and the presence of long and parallel hydroxyapatite crystals in tetrapods and shark.

Conservation and variation in enamel protein distribution during vertebrate tooth development

Vertebrate enamel formation is a unique synthesis of the function of highly specialized enamel proteins and their effect on the growth and organization of apatite crystals. Among tetrapods, the physical structure of enamel is highly conserved, while there is a greater variety of enameloid tooth coverings in fish. In the present study, we postulated that in enamel microstructures of similar organization, the principle components of the enamel protein matrix would have to be highly conserved. In order to identify the enamel proteins that might be most highly conserved and thus potentially most essential to the process of mammalian enamel formation, we used immunoscreening with enamel protein antibodies as a means to assay for degrees of homology to mammalian enamel proteins. Enamel preparations from mouse, gecko, frog, lungfish, and shark were screened with mammalian enamel protein antibodies, including amelogenin, enamelin, tuftelin, MMP20, and EMSP1. Our results demonstrated that amelogenin was the most highly conserved enamel protein associated with the enamel organ, enamelin featured a distinct presence in shark enameloid but was also present in the enamel organ of other species, while the other enamel proteins, tuftelin, MMP20, and EMSP1, were detected in both in the enamel organ and in other tissues of all species investigated. We thus conclude that the investigated enamel proteins, amelogenin, enamelin, tuftelin, MMP20, and EMSP1, were highly conserved in a variety of vertebrate species. We speculate that there might be a unique correlation between amelogenin-rich tetrapod and lungfish enamel with long and parallel crystals and enamelin-rich basal vertebrate enameloid with diverse patterns of crystal organization.

An immunocytochemical study of amelogenin proteins in the developing tooth enamel of the gar-pike, Lepisosteus oculatus (Holostei, Actinopterygii)

Previous studies have demonstrated the morphological similarity of the enamel-like layer found in the teeth of the coelacanth, lungfish and gar-pike to the enamel of tetrapods. In order to clarify the phylogenetic continuity between both structures, tooth germs of the gar-pike were immunocytochemically studied using an anti-bovine amelogenin polyclonal antibody. Intense immunoreaction was shown over the enamel-like matrix layer. Certain cell organelles associated with the secretory pathway of the ameloblasts were recognized as immunoreactive. These results indicate that the enamel-like layer of the gar-pike is a tissue homologous with the mammalian enamel because both possess a common, amelogenin-like substance.

Immunolocalization of epithelial and mesenchymal matrix constituents in association with inner enamel epithelial cells

After crown formation, the enamel organ reorganizes into Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS). Although it is generally accepted that HERS plays an inductive role during root formation, it also has been suggested that it may contribute enamel-related proteins to cementum matrix. By analogy to the enamel-free area (EFA) in rat molars, in which epithelial cells express not only enamel proteins but also "typical" mesenchymal matrix constituents, it has been proposed that HERS cells may also have the potential to produce cementum proteins. To test this hypothesis, we examined the nature of the first matrix layer deposited along the cervical portion of root dentin and the characteristics of the associated cells. Rat molars were processed for postembedding colloidal gold immunolabeling with antibodies to amelogenin (AMEL), ameloblastin (AMBN), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteopontin (OPN). To minimize the possibility of false-negative results, several antibodies to AMEL were used. The labelings were compared with those obtained at the EFA. Initial cementum matrix was consistently observed at a time when epithelial cells from HERS covered most of the forming root surface. Cells with mesenchymal characteristics were rarely seen in proximity to the matrix. Both the EFA matrix and initial cementum exhibited collagen fibrils and were intensely immunoreactive for BSP and OPN. AMEL and AMBN were immunodetected at the EFA but not over the initial cementum proper. These two proteins were, however, present at the cervical-most portion of the root where enamel matrix extends for a short distance between dentin and cementum. These data suggest that epithelial cells along the root surface are likely responsible for the deposition of the initial cementum matrix and therefore, like the cells at the EFA, may be capable of producing mesenchymal proteins.

Transient accumulation of proteins at interrod and rod enamel growth sites

Conceptually, there should be a brief interval in time when newly secreted proteins "pile up" at secretory sites just outside the membrane of ameloblasts. Indeed, previous cytochemical studies have suggested that glycosylated and/or sulfated glycoproteins accumulate at enamel growth sites. Colloidal gold lectin cytochemistry and immunocytochemistry with antibodies to enamel proteins and phosphoserine, combined with cycloheximide and brefeldin A to inhibit protein synthesis and secretion, were applied to characterize the distribution of newly formed proteins at enamel interrod and rod growth sites. Although enamel growth sites show a "rarefied" appearance, the results indicate that one or more subclasses of enamel proteins accumulate near the cell surface at sites where elongation of enamel crystallites contributes to thickening of the enamel layer. These proteins are glycosylated and/or phosphorylated and, at least in the case of the glycosylated ones, are rapidly processed after they are released extracellularly. In contrast, immunolabeling for amelogenins is generally weaker near the cell surface and more intense at a short distance away from the site where crystallites elongate. The data suggest that the enamel proteins accumulating at growth sites likely belong to the non-amelogenin category and play a transient role in promoting the lengthening of crystallites. It is concluded that areas near the ameloblast membrane where certain enamel proteins accumulate in fact constitute the equivalent of a mineralization front.

Gene expression and localization of amelogenin in the rat incisor

Gene expression and localization of amelogenin were studied in the developing rat incisor by the methods of in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. ISH revealed the first expression of amelogenin mRNA in the inner enamel epithelium of the cervical loop. The signals were clearly observed in pre-ameloblasts in the region bordering on predentin formation and became more intense toward the cells on the initial enamel matrix secretion. The maximal signals were found in the cytoplasm of secretory ameloblasts. From the terminal secretion zone, the signals then became gradually weaker toward the incisal edge but were still evident in the cytoplasm of shortening, transitional ameloblasts and those at the early maturation stage. No signals were found in the cells of the stratum intermedium and stellate reticulum throughout amelogenesis. Immunohistochemistry by means of an antibody against amelogenin C-telopeptide consisting of 12 amino acids revealed immunoreaction in the secretory ameloblasts reacting to the ISH. When a polyclonal antibody against amelogenin was used, immunoreaction was found in the distal ends of ruffle-ended ameloblasts (RA) in the maturation zone. Those results indicated that amelogenin is synthesized by ameloblastic cells from the inner enamel epithelium to the early maturation stage and is then resorbed by the RA.

Identification of the cell type origin of odontoma-like cell masses in microphthalmic (mi/mi) mice by in situ hybridization

Tooth abnormalities occur in microphthalmic (mi/mi) mice. The elongated odontogenic epithelium is interrupted by unresorbed bone at the basal end of the mi/mi incisor, with the epithelium gathered into cell clusters. These clusters develop to odontoma-like masses. To identify the origin of the cell types of these odontoma-like masses, the localization of osteonectin (Osn), osteocalcin (Osc), osteopontin (Osp), matrix Gla protein (MGP) and amelogenin (Am) mRNA in the process of tooth development in mi/mi and +/+ mice was investigated by means of in situ hybridization. Decalcified mandibles of neonatal, 5-, 10-, 14-day-old mice were examined. Osn and Osc mRNA, which localized in osteoblasts and odontoblasts, were also detected in the cells of odontoma-like masses in mi/mi mice. The cells expressing these mRNA were short, columnar and odontoblast-like. Am mRNA was detected in ameloblasts. In mi/mi mice, Am mRNA was also detected in ameloblastic cell clusters, which were formed by the tall columnar cells in the odontoma-like masses. No apparent Osp mRNA expression was detected in the masses. These results indicated that even in odontogenic abnormal cells resulting from physical obstruction in mi/mi mice, the genes that are involved in normal tooth development were still expressed.

Alternative splicing of amelogenins

Amelogenins comprise as much as 90% of the protein in the developing enamel matrix. Separating amelogenins by gel electrophoresis reveals a complex of polypeptides with apparent mobilities ranging from low molecular weight species on up to 28,000 Daltons. A major objective of our research is determine the extent to which alternative RNA splicing contributes to this heterogeneity. We have cloned seven alternatively spliced mouse amelogenin mRNAs. The predicted translation products of these messages are 194, 180, 156, 141, 74, 59, and 44 amino acids in length. The 194 residue amelogenin is the only mouse amelogenin to include a polypeptide segment encoded by exon 4, which has a deduced amino acid sequence of KSHSQAINTDRTAL. Antibodies were raised against synthetic exon 4 encoded polypeptides and used to immunostain histologic tooth sections. These data indicate that alternatively spliced amelogenin mRNAs are translated into protein and secreted into the enamel matrix.

Isolation and characterization of a mouse amelogenin expressed in Escherichia coli

A mouse cDNA encoding a 180 amino acid amelogenin was subcloned into the pET expression plasmid (Novagen, Madison, WI) for production in Escherichia coli. A simple growth and purification protocol yields 20-50 mg of 95-99% pure recombinant amelogenin from a 4.5-liter culture. This is the first heterologous expression of an enamel protein. The expressed protein was characterized by partial Edman sequencing, amino acid composition analysis, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, laser desorption mass spectrometry, and hydroxyapatite binding. The recombinant amelogenin is 179 amino acids in length, has a molecular weight of 20,162 daltons, and hydroxyapatite binding properties similar to the porcine 173 residue amelogenin. Solubility analyses showed that the bacterially expressed protein is only sparingly soluble in the pH range of 6.4-8.0 or in solutions 20% saturated with ammonium sulfate. The purified protein was used to generate rabbit polyclonal anti-amelogenin antibodies which show specific reaction to amelogenins in both Western blot analyses of enamel extracts and in immunostaining of developing mouse molars.

Ultrastructural studies and immunolocalization of enamel proteins in rodent secretory stage ameloblasts processed by various cryofixation methods

BACKGROUND

Cryofixation rapidly immobilizes cell and tissue components in their native state, thereby resulting in an ultrastructural preservation very close to the living situation. We have applied this approach to examine the morphology of secretory stage ameloblasts and the distribution of enamel proteins in these cells.

METHODS

Molar and incisor tooth germs from newborn mice and/or rats were quickly dissected and divided into segments. The segments were then rapidly frozen using slam, plunge or pressure freezing, freeze-substituted and embedded in Epon. In addition, incisors from older rats were chemically fixed by vascular perfusion and also dehydrated by freeze-substitution.

RESULTS

Well-preserved ameloblasts were obtained with all four tissue processing methods. However, slam freezing often showed mechanical damage to the ameloblasts, particularly at the level of the distal portion of Tomes' processes which appeared severed or distorted. Plunging into liquid nitrogen-cooled liquid propane resulted in comparatively less tissue distortion. High pressure freezing gave a relatively higher yield of well-preserved specimens, although displacement of organelles in ameloblasts was sometimes observed, probably resulting from hydrostatic pressure. Minimal ice crystal and mechanical damage was observed in chemically fixed tooth samples processed by freeze-substitution since such specimens are cryoprotected and their examination is not restricted to a surface layer. With all of the above cryopreparation methods, the ultrastructure of well-preserved ameloblasts was, in general, similar to that obtained following conventional chemical fixation, and immunocytochemistry with an anti-amelogenin antibody indicated no profound differences in the distribution of enamel proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that, despite some limitations, it is possible to adequately cryofix tooth organs while preserving the architecture of ameloblasts and permitting immunolocalization of enamel proteins. Furthermore, they confirm the general morphology of secretory stage ameloblasts as currently derived from conventional chemical tissue processing.

Translocation of enamel proteins from inner enamel epithelia to odontoblasts during mouse tooth development

The developmental problem of how dental epithelia and/or dental papilla ectomesenchyme induce and/or up- or down-regulate tooth formation are as yet unresolved issues. We have designed studies to map the synthesis and fate pathways of secreted amelogenin proteins from Kallenbach differentiation zones II-IV during in vivo and in vitro mouse mandibular first molar tooth development (M1). Tooth organs from cap, bell, and crown stages were processed for reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and high resolution Protein A immunocytochemistry using anti-amelogenin and anti-peptide antibodies. Cap stage M1 were cultured for periods ranging from 10-21 days in vitro using either serum-less, or 15% fetal calf sera-supplemented, chemically-defined medium. Amelogenin transcripts are expressed in the mouse embryonic molar from E15 through early postnatal development. Amelogenin antigens were first detected in Kallenbach's differentiation zone II. Amelogenin proteins secreted from preameloblasts were identified along cell processes and cell surfaces of odontoblasts adjacent to forming mantle dentine extracellular matrix (ECM) prior to biomineralization. Amelogenin proteins were restricted to forming endocytotic vesicles, clathrin-coated vesicles, and lysosomes within odontoblasts. At later stages (e.g. 2 days postnatal development), enamel proteins were not identified in odontoblasts or predentine matrix following mineralization. Comparable observations for stages of development were noted for in vitro cultured tooth explants. Preameloblasts synthesize and secrete amelogenin proteins which bind to odontoblast cell surfaces possibly through the process of receptor-mediated endocytosis. We conclude that amelogenin proteins secreted from preameloblasts, prior to the initiation of biomineralization, were translocated to odontoblasts to serve as yet unknown biological functions.

Immunohistochemical detection of an enamel protein-related epitope in rat bone at an early stage of osteogenesis

Monoclonal antibody MI315 was produced against hamster tooth germ homogenate by in vitro immunization. It was found that MI315 reacted with enamel matrix, ameloblasts, and bone matrix at an early stage of osteogenesis. Decalcified tissues of rat femurs and mandibles were examined with MI315 using indirect immunofluorescence. In endochondral ossification of femurs, immunoreactivity was found in bone extracellular matrix (ECM) deposited on the surface of the cartilage core of primary spongiosa, but not in the cartilage core itself. In intramembranous ossification of 0-day-old rat mandibles, intense immunofluorescence was detected in bone ECM and a few young osteocytes, but not in osteoblasts. Immunoreactivity in bone ECM of 2-day-old rats decreased and almost disappeared from bone ECM of 4-day-old rats. Although in nondecalcified sections of 0-day-old rats, negligible immunofluorescence was detected in bone ECM which showed positive staining in decalcified tissues, the immunostaining appeared after decalcification using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). These results indicate that a substance(s), which had a common epitope with an enamel-derived protein(s), existed in immature bone ECM of both endochondral and intramembranous ossification, and that it might be masked by bone mineral. Monoclonal antibody MI315 is a useful tool to investigate the time- and position-specific changes in osteogenesis and amelogenesis.

Antisense inhibition of AMEL translation demonstrates supramolecular controls for enamel HAP crystal growth during embryonic mouse molar development

During tooth development, enamel organ epithelial cells express a tissue-specific gene product (amelogenin) which presumably functions to control calcium hydroxyapatite crystal growth patterns during enamel biomineralization. The present studies were designed to test the hypothesis that amelogenin as a supramolecular aggregate regulates crystal growth during enamel biomineralization. Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide strategy was used in a simple organ culture system to inhibit amelogenin translation. Under these experimental conditions, antisense treatment prior to and during amelogenin expression resulted in inhibition of amelogenin translation products within immunoprecipitated [35S]methionine metabolically labeled proteins. To determine the efficiency of antisense treatment in this model system, digoxigenin-labeled oligodeoxynucleotides were observed to diffuse throughout the tooth explants including the target ameloblast cells within 24 hours. Ultrastructural analyses of amelogenin supramolecular assembly as electron-dense stippled materials in antisense treated cultures demonstrated dysmorphology of the extracellular enamel matrix with a significant reduction in crystal length and width. We conclude that secreted extracellular proteins form a supramolecular aggregate, which controls both the orientation and dimensions of enamel crystal formation during tooth development.

Polyoma virus-induced murine odontogenic tumors

Neonatal mouse pups were injected subcutaneously with polyoma virus to induce odontogenic tumors. This treatment resulted in a spectrum of tumors that arose in organs dependent upon epithelial-mesenchymal interactions for their organogenesis, which included the teeth, salivary glands, thymus, and lacrimal glands. In addition, several odontogenic tumors with a histologic resemblance to ameloblastoma were identified and analyzed with respect to the presence of markers specific for various stages of ameloblast differentiation. Immunodetection analyses of the odontogenic tumors identified fibronectin and laminin, typical of basement membrane organization during early tooth organogenesis. These same tumors failed to express amelogenin, a gene whose expression is limited to differentiated ameloblasts. In contrast, a 47 kDa enamelin-like polypeptide was identified with the use of an antienamelin antibody. These data were interpreted to suggest that the polyoma virus truncated the differentiation pathway for these odontogenic tissues at an early stage of their development and retained the expression of basement membrane components and the enamelin-like polypeptides, yet excluded expression of amelogenin gene products. This observation suggests that polyoma viral transformation may dysregulate odontogenic tissue interactions and produce tumors composed of cells arrested at a specific stage in their development.

Immunolocalization of enamel proteins during amelogenesis in the cat

Amelogenesis in the cat has been suggested to closely resemble enamel formation in human teeth. In order to further characterize the sequence of events leading to enamel formation in the cat, the expression and distribution of enamel proteins throughout amelogenesis were examined by postembedding immunocytochemistry using an antibody to mouse amelogenins and the high resolution protein A-gold technique. Enamel proteins were first immunodetected in ameloblasts and in the extracellular matrix during the presecretory stage. Secretory stage ameloblasts showed the most intense cellular reactivity. In these cells, protein synthetic organelles, secretory granules, and large lysosome-like structures were all intensely labeled. Extracellularly, numerous gold particles were observed over enamel and over patches of material found at the baso-lateral surfaces of these ameloblasts. During the early maturation stage, the protein synthetic organelles and secretory granules of ameloblasts still showed some immunoreactivity, although the most conspicuous labeling at this later stage was found over enamel and over material present among the extensive apical membrane infoldings of ruffle-ended ameloblasts. Qualitative analysis of lysosome-like elements in ameloblasts suggested that their frequency and immunoreactivity in the maturation stage were relatively lower than in the secretory stage, where some groups of cells often showed numerous large labeled structures. The enamel matrix was intensely labeled at all stages; however, cervical-occlusal and surface-depth gradients were readily apparent by conventional staining and by quantitative analysis of immunolabeling in the late secretory and early maturation stages. These data suggest that the cellular and extracellular distribution of enamel proteins in the cat is generally similar to that reported in other species, although some particularities were observed, perhaps reflecting variation in the timing of developmental parameters.

Common epitopes of mammalian amelogenins at the C-terminus and possible functional roles of the corresponding domain in enamel mineralization

The present studies were undertaken to investigate the presence of common epitopes of mammalian amelogenins at the C-terminus and the possible functional importance of the conserved C-terminal domain in enamel mineralization during mammalian amelogenesis. Enamel proteins, including the intact amelogenins and their degraded polypeptides, were isolated from the secretory enamel of pig, cow, rat, and rabbit incisors. Rabbit and rat antipeptide sera, as well as rat anti-25 kD and 20 kD pig amelogenin sera, were used to identify the amelogenins among the isolated matrix proteins of each of the animal species. The antipeptide sera were developed previously (Aoba et al. [19]) using as immunogens the two synthetic peptides, C13 and C25, which correspond to the last 12 (plus Cys for KLH-conjugation) and 25 amino acid residues of pig intact amelogenin, respectively. Reactivity of the enamel proteins with each antiserum was examined by Western blot analysis. The results of immunoblotting showed that a few enamel matrix proteins in each of the mammalian species were recognized by the anti-C13 serum, specifically, pig amelogenin at 25 kD (and trace components at 27, 22, and 18 kD), cow amelogenin at 28 kD (trace components at 26, 22, 19, and 14 kD), rat amelogenins at 28 and 26 kD (and a trace component at 20 kD), and rabbit amelogenins at 24 and 21 kD (and a trace at 13 kD). The anti-C25 serum reacted additionally with pig amelogenin at 23 kD, cow amelogenin at 27 kD (a major matrix constituent), and rabbit protein at 19 kD.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunochemical and immunohistochemical studies, using antisera against porcine 25 kDa amelogenin, 89 kDa enamelin and the 13-17 kDa nonamelogenins, on immature enamel of the pig and rat

Enamel proteins were extracted from the newly formed layer of immature porcine enamel, and the 25 kDa amelogenin, 89 kDa enamelin and 13-17 kDa nonamelogenins were purified. Specific antisera were raised against these proteins. Antibodies specific to the C-terminal region (residues 149-173) of the 25 kDa amelogenin were generated by absorption of the anti-25 kDa amelogenin serum with 20 kDa amelogenin, which contains residues 1-148 of the antigen. Immunoelectro-transfer blotting of the extracted porcine enamel proteins showed that the anti-25 kDa amelogenin serum recognized the 25 kDa and other low and high molecular weight amelogenins. The C-terminal specific anti-25 kDa amelogenin serum reacted only with amelogenins having molecular weights over 23 kDa. The anti-89 kDa enamelin serum recognized the 89 kDa enamelin and lower molecular weight proteins, but neither the amelogenins nor the 13-17 kDa nonamelogenins. The antiserum against the 13-17 kDa nonamelogenins showed no cross reactivity to the 89 kDa enamelin, but recognized higher molecular weight nonamelogenins. In immunohistochemical preparations of the porcine tooth germs, the 25 kDa amelogenin-like immunoreactivity over immature enamel decreased in a gradient from the enamel surface to the middle layer. In the inner layer immunoreactivity was concentrated over the prism sheaths. The C-terminal specific 25 kDa amelogenin-like immunoreactivity was intense at the outer layer of immature enamel and decreased sharply toward the middle layer. Prism sheaths were intensely stained by the antiserum to the 13-17 kDa nonamelogenins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Immunohistochemical demonstration of amelogenin penetration toward the dental pulp in the early stages of ameloblast development in rat molar tooth germs

In order to examine the synthesis and secretion of enamel protein by ameloblasts in their early stages of development, immunohistochemical localization was carried out at light and electron microscopic levels using a monoclonal antibody produced in a preliminary experiment. Materials used were tooth germs of mandibular first molars of rats at 0-5 days after birth. Immunoblot analysis after two-dimensional electrophoresis revealed that antigen molecules recognized by the monoclonal antibody were amelogenins of 26-28 kDa (pI, 6.6-7.0). An immunohistochemical examination using this monoclonal antibody demonstrated that the presecretory ameloblasts in their early stages of differentiation both synthesized amelogenin and secreted through a classical merocrine secretory pathway. In some presecretory ameloblasts as well as ameloblasts we observed the distended cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) which demonstrated heterogenous immunolabelling. The immunolabellings were also detected in the predentin as well as the intercellular spaces of odontoblasts and dental pulp cells which indicated penetration of amelogenin from the presecretory ameloblast layer to the dental pulp. The presence of coated pits at the plasma membrane of odontoblasts in close proximity to enamel protein along with the immunolabelling of lysosomes of the odontoblasts suggests the phagocytosis of the enamel protein into the odontoblasts. These observations suggest the possibility that the penetration of enamel protein toward the dental pulp and odontoblasts plays a role in the interaction between ameloblasts and odontoblasts.

Amelogenin post-secretory processing during biomineralization in the postnatal mouse molar tooth

The primary structures, molecular genetics and biosynthesis of the amelogenin protein of the developing tooth are established, but knowledge of their subsequent post-secretory processing and its relation to enamel biomineralization is fragmentary. Preparations of tooth matrix proteins were isolated from molars (M1) of mice from birth to 15 days and analysed by SDS-PAGE and immunochemical methods. Amelogenin proteins, isolated and partially purified by HPLC, were characterized by amino acid analysis and SDS-PAGE. At birth a 26 kDa amelogenin was present that during subsequent developmental stages generated a series of 20-25 kDa amelogenins differing in apparent size by approximately 1 kDa. Amino acid analyses showed that all these amelogenins have amino-terminal TRAP sequences; analyses for both glycosylation and phosphorylation were negative. It is suggested that these post-secretory amelogenins are generated by a sequence of specific carboxy-terminal cleavages, and that the observed post-secretory processing of amelogenin is functionally linked to the structure of the enamel matrix and the control of crystallite development.

Immunoblotting and cytochemical characterization of human enamel proteins

Mature enamel proteins (tuft proteins) and fetal enamel proteins were extracted by an homogenizing buffer method, subjected to SDS-PAGE and immunoblotted with a polyclonal antibody raised against the mature enamel proteins. Both fetal and tuft proteins were recognized by this immunoblotting. With the same antibody, immunolocalization of the developing enamel proteins was done on semi-thin-sections of human fetal tissue at the secretory stage, using an immunoperoxidase technique. Specific labelling of the enamel protein matrix was observed. It is concluded that a polyclonal antibody against mature enamel proteins (anti-tuft) can recognize the developing protein matrix at the secretory stage. This suggests that a common antigenic determinant is maintained throughout the course of amelogenesis in human enamel.

Temporal and spatial patterns of transforming growth factor-beta 1 expression in developing rat molars

Regulatory peptides of the TGF-beta family affect various aspects of embryonic development. Recent immunolocalization and in situ hybridization studies have demonstrated a specific time- and tissue-dependent expression of TGF-beta 1 in the developing mouse embryo. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the distribution of TGF-beta 1 within rat molars at different stages of development, using a well-characterized antibody, highly specific for TGF-beta 1, and immunohistochemical methods of detection. TGF-beta 1 was immunolocalized intensely within the ectodermally derived stellate reticulum and the mesenchyme of the dental papilla at the bell stage of development. Marked immunostaining was also evident in the papillary layer and the reduced dental organ subjacent to ameloblasts in the differentiation and secretory phases of amelogenesis. During the formation of coronal tissues and in the pre-eruptive phase, immunoreactive TGF-beta 1 was localized conspicuously within the dental follicle overlying the tooth germ. This temporospatial pattern of expression of TGF-beta 1 appears to correlate with specific events in morphogenesis, histogenesis and cytodifferentiation during tooth development.

Mouse ameloblasts do not transcribe the albumin gene

The interpretation of recent experimental evidence has lead to several discussions at international meetings which have included the suggestion that enamelins are not tissue-specific gene products but rather are similar to, or are identical to, albumin. Further complicating the issue has been the proposal by several investigators that albumin participates in the organization of hard tissues. The experimental strategy described in this study was to hybridize the mouse albumin gene cDNA clone, palb-3, to a Northern blot of secretory phase mouse mandibular first molar RNAs. This approach would permit the evaluation of the potential transcription of the albumin gene by differentiated ameloblasts as well as other cells of the odontogenic organ. The results of this approach indicated that odontogenic cells did not transcribe the albumin gene. Albumin polypeptides, therefore, cannot be synthesized by odontogenic cells and cannot be identical to odontogenic tissue-specific gene products. If albumin is incorporated into developing enamel matrix wherein it participates in undefined roles during enamel matrix organization, it cannot arise as a biosynthetic product of the odontogenic organ.

Amelogenesis in vitro: a model for studies of epithelial postsecretory processing during tissue-specific extracellular matrix biomineralization

The extracellular matrix (ECM) of developing mammalian enamel comprises a complex of unusual epithelial-derived proteins, which appear to function in concert to initiate and propagate tissue-specific biomineralization. Following enamel protein synthesis by ameloblast cells within the enamel organ, the subsequent steps of posttranslational modification, secretion, postsecretory processing and eventual removal of these proteins from forming enamel are largely unknown. To address this issue we have designed studies to investigate the hypothesis that enamel proteins are removed from enamel and translocated into the vasculature as relatively high-molecular-weight components. We examined enamel proteins recovered from serumless medium during prolonged organ culture of mouse capstage mandibular first molars. By 21 days in vitro the tooth crown formed and dentine and enamel biomineralization were apparent. At 31 days, explants retained metabolic activity and the enamel matrix showed extensive transformation. Immunologically identified enamel proteins of 26-18 k Da were produced by cultured tooth organs, translocated from tooth explants to the culture medium, recovered from the medium and then compared to control enamel protein from in vivo preparations. Comparable postsecretory processing of the 26-k Da amelogenin protein was observed in vitro and in vivo. We speculate that the pathway reported in the present studies is comparable to the processing of the enamel protein polypeptides of the maturing enamel which occurs in vivo. The in vitro organ culture model described in this report provides an approach with which to investigate the molecular events associated with epithelial-derived postsecretory processing of ECM molecules associated with tissue-specific biomineralization.

Biosynthesis and secretion of enamel proteins in the rat incisor

The synthesis and secretion of enamel proteins (EPs) in rat incisors was examined using cytochemical and biochemical methods. Radioautography after injection of 3H-methionine showed that ameloblasts in the presecretory, secretory, and maturation stages of amelogenesis actively synthesized and secreted proteins. Immunocytochemistry with an antibody to mouse amelogenins revealed the presence of EPs in the protein synthetic and secretory organelles of these cells at all three stages. Labeling was also found in elements of the endosomal/lysosomal compartment. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and silver staining of proteins extracted from enamel and enamel organ showed several protein bands. However, transfer to nitrocellulose paper and immunoblotting revealed that most of the proteins recognized by the antibody were situated between approximately 14 and 32 kDa. EPs were further characterized by using lectins to examine their carbohydrate content. Lectin-gold cytochemistry on sections showed the binding of wheat germ agglutinin and Helix pomatia lectin to secretory stage enamel. Lectin blotting indicated that the amelogenins were heterogeneously glycosylated and contained the sugars N-acetyl-glucosamine/N-acetyl-neuraminic acid and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine. Fluorography at 6 and 10 min and 1 h after injection of 35S-methionine revealed four labeled bands in the main amelogenin group near 22, 28, 30, and 32 kDa. A short-lived protein of approximately 58 kDa was also observed primarily in cells. The appearance of labeled proteins in enamel was paralleled by their disappearance from cells and the intensity of the radiolabeled protein bands, both, in enamel and in cells, decreased towards the maturation stage. These data are consistent with the concept that ameloblasts produce multiple amelogenins throughout amelogenesis.

Structure and function of enamel gene products

The present paper reviews the main features of amelogenin and enamelin biochemistry, molecular biology, structural and ultrastructural localization, and immunology. It also examines recent studies concerning the origin, chemical characterization, suggested role, and participation of these two major classes of extracellular developing enamel matrix proteins in the complex process of "matrix-mediated" mineralization.

Degradation and loss of matrix proteins from developing enamel

The pattern and timing of the breakdown and loss of matrix proteins were studied in developing rat incisor enamel using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), fluorography, radioautography, and in vitro incubations of proteins isolated from freshly dissected, crushed pieces of enamel. For biochemical studies, the technique of Robinson et al. (1974, 1977, 1983) was used to transect the enamel organ and enamel into a series of strips at 1 mm intervals along the length of the tooth. The proteins in each strip were extracted and either quantified by Lowry analysis or applied to 12% slab (enamel) or 5-15% continuous gradient (enamel organ) SDS-polyacrylamide gels and separated by electrophoresis. The biochemical studies indicated that the amount of protein contained within an enamel strip increased gradually by volume across the secretory stage, reached a peak early during the maturation stage, and then declined rapidly thereafter. The distribution of enamel proteins on SDS-polyacrylamide gels changed markedly throughout this period. These changes included increases and decreases in the intensity of staining of proteins at certain molecular weights (e.g., 18 kDa) and the appearance and disappearance of some proteins not seen clearly near the start of the secretory stage of amelogenesis (e.g., 32 and 10 kDa). Labeling studies with 35S-methionine suggested that the "stacked" arrangement of proteins typical of forming enamel (secretory stage) actually represented a very dynamic association of proteins, with new ones being added at the top of the stack and then breaking down with time to become those seen at lower molecular weights. Across the secretory stage, new proteins were always added to the top of the stack, but during early maturation this activity slowed dramatically, allowing the breakdown of aging proteins to be visualized more clearly. Radioautographic studies with 3H-methionine indicated that the breakdown of newly secreted proteins also was correlated with a movement of label from the site of secretion into deeper, previously unlabeled, areas of forming enamel. In vitro studies revealed that the rate and degree of breakdown of enamel proteins varied markedly, depending on the stage of amelogenesis from which the proteins were extracted. Secretory stage enamel proteins showed slow in vitro degradation with accumulation of proteins near 18 kDa. Early maturation stage enamel proteins showed more rapid breakdown with little accumulation of proteins near 18 kDa, whereas late maturation stage enamel proteins showed complete degradation by 2 days of incubation in vitro.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Human and mouse cementum proteins immunologically related to enamel proteins

SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, immunoblot and amino acid composition analyses were applied to human and mouse acellular cementum proteins immunologically related to enamelins and amelogenins. In this analysis, anti-mouse amelogenin, anti-human enamelin and synthetic peptide (e.g., -LPPHPGHPGYIC-) antibodies were shown to cross-react with tooth crown-derived enamelin with a molecular mass of 72,000 Da (72 kDa), amelogenins (26 kDa), and also to four human cementum proteins (72, 58, 50 and 26 kDa) and two mouse cementum proteins (72 and 26 kDa). Each of the antibodies recognized tooth root-derived cementum polypeptides which share one or more epitopes with tooth crown-derived enamel proteins. The molecular mass and isoelectric points for crown-derived and root-derived enamel-related proteins were similar. Analysis of human and mouse cementum proteins revealed a characteristic amino acid composition enriched in glutamyl, serine, glycine, alanine, proline, valine and leucine residues; compared to the major enamel protein amelogenin, cementum proteins were low in proline, histidine and methionine. The human and mouse putative intermediate cementum proteins appear to represent a distinct class of enamel-related proteins. Moreover, these results support the hypothesis that epithelial root sheath epithelia express several cementum proteins immunologically related to canonical enamel proteins.

Hertwig's epithelial root sheath differentiation and initial cementum and bone formation during long-term organ culture of mouse mandibular first molars using serumless, chemically-defined medium

Studies were designed to test the hypothesis that Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) synthesizes and secretes enamel-related proteins that participate in the process of acellular cementum formation. Our experimental strategy was to examine sequential root development of the mouse mandibular first molar in vivo and in long-term organ culture in vitro using serumless, chemically-defined medium. Using anti-amelogenin, anti-enamelin and anti-peptide antibodies, enamel-related antigens were localized within intermediate cementum during HERS differentiation and root formation in vivo. Cap stage molars maintained for periods of up to 31 days in organ culture expressed morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation as identified by tooth crown and initial root, cementum and bone formation. Metabolically-labeled HERS products were analyzed by immunodetection using enamel-related antibodies and one- and two-dimensional SDS gel electrophoresis. A 72 kDa and 26 kDa polypeptide were identified in forming mouse cementum. Both of these root putative cementum proteins yield similar (identical) amino acid compositions; however, both proteins differed from the compositions of either mouse crown enamelin or amelogenin proteins. This approach provides a new and novel in vitro model towards understanding HERS differentiation and functions related to root and bone formation. The data support the hypothesis that HERS cells synthesize polypeptides related to but also different from canonical crown enamel proteins.

1987 Kreshover lecture. Gene regulation in the development of oral tissues

The regulatory processes associated with tooth formation are being investigated by the identification of when, where, and how cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), substrate adhesion molecules (SAMs), dentin phosphoprotein, enamel gene products, and intermediate cementum products are expressed during sequential developmental stages of morphogenesis, cytodifferentiation, dentin, enamel and cementum extracellular matrix (ECM) formation, and biomineralization. Instructive and permissive signaling is required for both morphogenesis and cytodifferentiation based upon in vitro organotypic culture studies in serumless, chemically-defined medium. Intrinsic developmental instructions, independent of exogenous growth factors, mediate tooth morphogenesis from the initiation of the dental lamina through crown and initial root development. Recent progress using recombinant DNA methods has advanced descriptions of several dental structural genes. The complete nucleic acid sequence for mouse amelogenin has been defined. This sequence is located on the mouse X chromosome and on the human X and Y chromosomes. This discussion summarizes recent results using experimental embryology, recombinant DNA technology, and immunocytology in the context of instructive epithelial-mesenchymal interactions associated with epithelial differentiation into ameloblasts, ectomesenchyme differentiation into odontoblasts, and dentin and enamel ECM biomineralization. The tooth organ provides opportunities at several levels of biological organization to investigate cellular, molecular, and developmental processes.

Biosynthesis and characterization of rabbit tooth enamel extracellular-matrix proteins

Tooth enamel biomineralization is mediated by enamel proteins synthesized by ameloblast cells. Two classes of proteins have been described: enamelins and amelogenins. In lower vertebrates the absence of amelogenins is believed to give rise to aprismatic enamel; however, rabbit teeth, which apparently do not synthesize amelogenins, form prismatic enamel. The present study was designed to characterize the enamel proteins present in rabbit tooth organs and to gain an insight into the process of biomineralization. Rabbit enamel extracellular-matrix proteins were isolated and characterized during sequential stages of rabbit tooth organogenesis. The biosynthesis of enamel proteins was analysed by metabolic 'pulse-chase' experiments as well as mRNA-translation studies in cell-free systems. Our results indicated that rabbit enamel extracellular matrix contains 'amelogenin-like' proteins. However, these proteins are not synthesized as typical amelogenins, as in other mammalian species, thus suggesting that they are the processing products of higher-molecular-mass precursors. An N-terminal amino acid sequence of 29 residues, considered characteristic of mammalian amelogenins, was present in the rabbit 'amelogenin-like' proteins. By using anti-peptide antibodies to this region, similar epitopes were detected in all nascent enamel proteins, including enamelins. These studies suggest that the N-terminal sequence might be characteristic of all enamel proteins, not only amelogenins.

Metabolic expression of intrinsic developmental programs for dentine and enamel biomineralization in serumless, chemically-defined, organotypic culture

Biomineralization was investigated using embryonic mouse mandibular first molars (M1) cultured in the presence or absence of fetal calf serum. Metabolic features including cell division and Ca2+ and phosphate incorporation into dentine and enamel extracellular matrices were analyzed. The relative timing and magnitude of DNA synthesis for serumless cultures was comparable to in vivo controls. Isotopic calcium and phosphate incorporation into the mineral phase of dentine and enamel matrices, in the absence of serum, fluctuated during development. Molar tooth morphogenesis, cytodifferentiation, and extracellular matrix formation approximated late crown-stage development in serumless cultures. Von Kossa histochemical staining indicated calcium phosphate salt formation in serumless cultures. Analysis of anhydrous fixation-prepared enamel and dentine representing serumless cultured explants indicated that crystal size and orientation were comparable to in vivo enamel and dentine. In contrast, serum-supplemented cultures showed atypical crystal size and orientation. Calcium/phosphorous (Ca/P) ratio values for serumless cultures after 21 days showed Ca/P enamel values of 2.03 (SD +/- 0.04, p less than 0.025) and dentine values of 1.89 (SD +/- 0.01, p less than 0.025). Electron diffraction patterns of enamel and dentine formed in serumless cultures were principally those of highly-ordered crystalline hydroxyapatite. Our results suggest that tissue-specific dentine and enamel biomineralization is regulated by endogenous factors intrinsic to the developmental program of embryonic tooth organs during serumless culture.

Sequential expression and differential function of multiple enamel proteins during fetal, neonatal, and early postnatal stages of mouse molar organogenesis

We have established the time and position of expression for multiple enamel proteins during the development of the mouse molar tooth organ. Using high-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry, a 46-kDa enamel protein (pI, 5.5) was detected during late cap stage (18-days gestation, E18d) within differentiation-zone-II inner enamel epithelia associated with an intact basal lamina. At E19d a second enamel polypeptide of 72 kDa (pI, 5.8) was identified at the time and position of initial biomineralization in differentiation zone V. At 20 days, differentiation-zone-VI ameloblasts without basal lamina (late bell stage) expressed 46- and 72-kDa enamel proteins and, in addition, expressed a relatively more basic 26-kDa enamel protein (pI, 6.5-6.7); detected after initial formation of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals. Antibodies raised against chemically synthesized enamel peptides cross-reacted with both the 72-kDa and 26-kDa polypeptides, but did not cross-react with the 46-kDa enamel polypeptide. The sequential expression of multiple enamel proteins suggests several functions: (a) the anionic enamel proteins may provide an instructive template for calcium hydroxyapatite crystal formation; (b) the more neutral proteins possibly serve to regulate size, shape and rates of enamel crystal formation. We suggest that initial expression of enamel gene products during mouse tooth development possibly recapitulates ancestral features of amelogenesis documented in prereptilian vertebrates. These results imply that multiple instructive signals may be responsible for mammalian enamel protein induction and that the sequential expression of a family of enamel proteins reflects the evolutionary acquisition of a more complex genetic program for amelogenesis.

Examining the possible molecular origins for enamel protein complexity

Our strategy was to examine each of the three loci capable of contributing to the observed complexity 0 of mouse amelogenin proteins recovered from forming enamel: the genome (gene); the transcription apparatus (messenger RNA); and the translation apparatus (proteins). Our approach was based on recombinant DNA technology and a complementary DNA (cDNA) clone, pMa5-5, specific to the predominant mouse amelogenin protein. An "artificial ameloblast" was engineered based on pMa5-5 and the resulting synthetic products compared to those from authentic ameloblasts. First, the genome probably is not responsible for amelogenin complexity: Southern analysis indicates that the amelogenin gene exists as a single copy in either differentiated dental tissue or germ line tissue. Thus, ectomesenchymal-derived instructive signals for ameloblast differentiation do not lead to re-arrangement or amplification of the amelogenin gene. Next, using nucleic acid hybridization techniques, we examined messenger RNA from mouse ameloblasts. Northern analysis of authentic mRNA from mouse ameloblasts, with either the intact or 3'-end of pMa 5-5 used as the reporter molecule, indicates that only one size class of mRNA was detectable. We conclude that at the sensitivity of this assay there is no evidence for multiple mRNAs. Last, "artificial ameloblasts" were engineered so that the translation apparatus could be examined as a source of amelogenin complexity. Capped, artificial mRNAs were constructed to the pMa 5-5 template and used to program the synthesis of amelogenin polypeptides by translation in a cell-free system. When the resulting total translation products were immunoprecipitated with the rabbit anti-mouse amelogenin antibody, we observed multiple polypeptides, suggesting that the utilization of alternative start sites may also contribute to the observed complexity of amelogenin proteins, at least for artificial mRNAs translated in vitro.

Na-K-ATPase in the enamel organ: localization and possible roles in enamel formation

Ouabain-sensitive, K-dependent p-nitrophenyl phosphatase (p-NPPase) activity was localized ultra-Ocytochemically in the lateral plasma membranes of secretory ameloblasts and the stratum intermedium and principally in the papillary layer cells of aldehyde-fixed rat incisor enamel organs by the one-step lead method. Daily intraperitoneal injection of ouabain (250 μg, 500 μg, and 1 mg/100 g body weight) for two weeks reduced p-NPPase activity in the enamel organ cells. However, the degree to which this activity was reduced appeared to vary among the experimental animals. Addition of ouabain to the cytochemical incubation medium completely inhibited p-NPPase activity in the tissues. Although long-term ouabain injection did not result in any morphological alterations of the enamel organ cells, it caused, in part, an appearance of electron-dense, homogeneous matrix-like substances (MS) in the extracellular spaces of the ameloblast layers at both the secretion and maturation stages. In addition, long-term ouabain injection appeared to have resulted in delayed maturation of enamel as measured by energy-dispersive x-ray analysis of Ca and P in surface enamel. These results suggest that Na-K-ATPase of enamel organ cells may participate in the net flow (removal) of organic matrix components and water from the enamel during the maturation stage of enamel formation. It is suggested that this flow is maintained by local osmotic gradients generated by Na-K-ATPase within the papillary layer.

Application of high-resolution immunocytochemistry to the study of the secretory, resorptive, and degradative functions of ameloblasts

The distribution of enamel proteins (EP) within extracellular and subcellular compartments of the enamel organ has been characterized by use of the protein A-gold immunocytochemical technique and an antibody against mouse amelogenins. EP were immunolocalized within the protein synthetic and secretory organelles, and within lysosomal elements of ameloblasts in both the secretion and maturation stages. The results provide direct evidence that ameloblasts maintain active secretory and degradative pathways for EP throughout the secretory and early maturation stages of amelogenesis. The origin of the immunoreactive material within lysosomes is unclear and could derive from the direct shunting of newly formed EP from the synthetic organelles to the lysosomes or from endocytosis of aged proteins. These findings ultimately provide new insights into the multifunctional role which ameloblasts play throughout amelogenesis.

The effects of vinblastine on the secretory ameloblasts: an ultrastructural, cytochemical, and immunocytochemical study in the rat incisor

Secretory ameloblasts synthesize the organic matrix of enamel and secrete it at two distinct "putative secretory sites" characterized by membrane infoldings (Nanci and Warshawsky, 1984a). The antimicrotubular agent vinblastine sulphate interferes with secretion. We have examined the effect of this drug on the ameloblast secretory sites and re-evaluated the effect on the intracellular organization of the cell by using conditions that optimize fixation, cytochemistry (ZI0), and immunocytochemistry. Associated with the disappearance of secretory granules and Golgi-related structures from Tomes' process was the loss of membrane infoldings at secretory sites. The Golgi apparatus appeared fragmented and numerous granule clusters were found throughout the cell body. These clusters were often seen in relation to extracellular patches of material in which no crystallites were seen. Immunocytochemistry revealed the presence of enamel proteins in the protein synthetic organelles, including various granule types, in lysosomes and in the extracellular patches. These data suggest that ameloblasts under the effect of vinblastine carry on secretory activities, but the product is not routed to the usual sites. It was confirmed that membrane infoldings characterize the sites where enamel proteins are normally secreted.

Amelogenin antigenic domain defined by clonal epitope selection

To experimentally examine the participation of amelogenins in controlled mineral-phase maturation of mammalian enamel, the identification of the individual proteins and their corresponding gene(s) is required. For this purpose, cDNAs were constructed from polyadenylated RNA from 2-day postnatal murine teeth, molecularly cloned into lambda-gt11 expression vectors and transfected into E. coli. The cDNA library was screened for amelogenin gene(s) by using either antibody or nucleic acid probes. An amelogenin cDNA clone encoding 79 carboxy-terminal amino acid residues and 100 nucleotides of the 3' noncoding sequence was demonstrated to contain a major antigenic site for amelogenin protein by immunostaining of specific amelogenin proteins from total extracted enamel protein blots using clonal epitope selected antibody. This is the first report linking amelogenin epitope(s) to a defined DNA sequence, and consequently a defined portion of the amino acid sequence for amelogenins. Secondary structure analysis, based on the relative average linear hydropathy of the amino acid sequence of amelogenin, predicted epitopes in the amino terminus of the molecule rather than the carboxy terminus. Our present data suggest that the carboxy terminus of the amelogenins is sufficiently externalized to be an antigenic domain. These data may be useful in subsequent structural analysis of amelogenin proteins and enhancing our understanding of their physicochemical participation in biomineralization.

Immunocytochemical and radioautographic evidence for secretion and intracellular degradation of enamel proteins by ameloblasts during the maturation stage of amelogenesis in rat incisors

In the continuously erupting rat incisor the ameloblasts progress through distinct stages associated with the secretion and maturation of enamel. We have examined the possibility that the so-called "postsecretory" ameloblasts of the maturation stage of amelogenesis remain biosynthetically active and are engaged in the synthesis, secretion, and degradation of enamel gene products. The ultrastructural distribution of antigenic sites for enamel proteins was studied within enamel organ cells during the early maturation stage of amelogenesis in rat incisors by using the protein A-gold immunocytochemical technique and rabbit polyclonal antibodies developed against mouse amelogenins. All regions of amelogenesis from late secretion through the first complete modulation from ruffle-ended to smooth-ended ameloblasts were examined. Specific immunolabelling was found within the rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi saccules, secretory granules, and lysosomes of ameloblasts throughout these regions. The heaviest intracellular immunolabelling was found within secretory granules and lysosomes (multivesicular type). Quantitative analyses showed that the Golgi saccules and the multivesicular lysosomes of modulating ameloblasts were generally less immunoreactive compared to similar organelles in ameloblasts secreting the inner enamel layer. Radioautographic studies confirmed that ameloblasts of the maturation stage incorporated 3H-leucine and 3H-methionine and secreted labelled proteins into the enamel layer. Grain counts indicated that ameloblasts from the first ruffle-ended band incorporated about two-fold less 3H-methionine and secreted about tenfold less labelled proteins into the enamel compared to ameloblasts secreting the inner enamel layer. The results of this study confirm that ameloblasts do not terminate biosynthesis and secretion of enamel proteins once the final layer has been deposited on the surface of the developing enamel. They continue to form and release new proteins during the maturation stage which intermix with older proteins laid down initially during the secretory stage of amelogenesis. Secretory activity for enamel proteins has been detected in ameloblasts up to at least the second ruffle-ended phase of maturation, at which point the enamel matrix is partially soluble in EDTA.

Monoclonal antibody and immunogold cytochemical localization of amelogenins in bovine secretory amelogenesis

Amelogenin enamel-protein epitopes in developing incisors were ultrastructurally localized with high specificity resolution. They formed clumps scattered over the enamel organic matrix between the hydroxyapatite crystals, and were also present over islands of stippled or granular material at the forming surface of the enamel matrix demonstrating that this material consists in part of amelogenin enamel protein. The amounts of amelogenin, as judged by labelling density, were not greater in the stippled or the surface crystal-containing matrix as compared to the enamel matrix up to 50 micron deep. Amelogenins were also localized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Golgi apparatus and secretory granules of the ameloblasts, which suggests they are merocrine secretions.

Immunochemical and biochemical studies of human enamel proteins during neonatal development

The present communication provides descriptions of the developmental, biochemical, and immunological properties of the human enamel extracellular matrix proteins. We report the isolation and partial characterization of the major human enamel proteins, the production of polyclonal antibodies directed against the human enamelins, and a comparison between the immunogenicity of enamelins and amelogenins from human and mouse enamel extracellular matrices. Our results indicate that although enamelins and amelogenins share some epitopes, each one of these proteins appears to invoke a different degree of immunogenicity.

A review of the study of protein secretion applying the protein A-gold immunocytochemical approach

Exocrine and endocrine types of secretion were investigated in various cells by applying the protein A-gold immunocytochemical approach. Several proteins secreted by rat pancreatic and parotid acinar cells, mouse ameloblasts, rat pancreatic B cells and lymph-node plasma cells, and frog hepatocytes were studied using specific antibodies. While light microscope immunohistochemistry has allowed for good topographical identification of positive cells in tissues, the protein A-gold approach used at the electron microscope level has demonstrated the presence of specific antigenic sites in particular cellular compartments. All secretory proteins studied were detected in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, the Golgi apparatus, and the secretory granules of the corresponding secreting cells. In addition, some of the proteins were also found in lysosome-like structures. When good ultrastructural preservation of the cellular organelles was achieved, the labeling was revealed with very high resolution and precise localization. In such cases, we found labeling over transitional elements of the endoplasmic reticulum and in smooth vesicles in the Golgi area. The Golgi apparatus was subdivided into three compartments according to differences in labeling: the cisternae on the cisside, those of the trans-side and the trans-most rigid one. Quantitative evaluations of the intensities of labeling have allowed for 1) demonstration of the high specificity of the different labelings; 2) revelation of the existence of a gradient of increasing intensity that follows precisely the progress of the proteins along their secretory pathway; and 3) identification of intracellular sites where increments of protein antigenicity occur. Furthermore, they have revealed the existence of alterations in protein processing that occurred under experimental and pathological conditions. Double-labeling approaches were performed to demonstrate two different antigenic sites on the same tissue section by applying protein A-gold complexes formed by gold particles of different sizes. Protein A-gold immunocytochemistry has also been combined with cytochemical and radioautographic techniques. This review thus demonstrates that high-resolution quantitative immunocytochemistry can contribute significantly to the investigation of the intracellular processing of secretory proteins. It also illustrates the potential and versatility of the protein A-gold technique, which in combination with other procedures constitutes a powerful method in cell biology.

Tissue interactions in development of teeth and related ectodermal derivatives

A number of traditional techniques have been used to examine epithelial-mesenchymal interactions; they remain to this day the only means to examine the problems of tissue interactions. Problems at the tissue level of organization require that the approaches to these problems ask questions and use techniques that address the issues of tissue organization and cellular morphology in the context of three-dimensional organization. Manipulating the embryo is exactly that--manipulating a three-dimensional organized organism that must express its differentiated functional organs and organ systems. When the parallel and correlative studies of cell biological function achieve new insights, they will have to be tested in terms of the cellular response at the tissue level of organization.

Determination of bovine enamel protein by enzyme-linked immuno-adsorbent assay

A specific enzyme-linked immuno-adsorbent assay for enamel protein of the developing tooth was devised, using antibody against antigen prepared from immature bovine enamel. Samples containing 5-500 ng of amelogenin protein in 50 microliters gave consistent results. Bovine enamelin cross-reacted with the antibody but was less reactive than amelogenin. Proteins in other tissues or fluids did not react to the antibody.

Immunoblotting demonstration of antibodies to the organic matrix of developing bovine enamel

Antiserum was raised against an acetic acid extract of partly mineralized bovine enamel. By use of immunoblotting it was shown that rabbit antibodies react with both high and low molecular weight proteins. Most but not all of the enamel proteins isolated by different extraction solutions were antigenic identical. The blotting time was found to be important when immunoblotting of enamel proteins is carried out.

DNA sequence for cloned cDNA for murine amelogenin reveal the amino acid sequence for enamel-specific protein

Enamel is the unique and highly mineralized extracellular matrix that covers vertebrate teeth. Amelogenin proteins represent the predominate subfamily of gene products found in developing mammalian enamel, and are implicated in the regulation of the formation of the largest hydroxyapatite crystals in the vertebrate body. Previous attempts to isolate, purify and characterize amelogenins extracted from developing matrix have proven difficult. We now have determined the DNA sequence for a cDNA for the 26-kDa class of murine amelogenin and deduced its corresponding amino acid sequence. The murine amino acid sequence is homologous to bovine or porcine amelogenins extracted from developing enamel matrices. However, an additional 10-residues were found at the carboxy terminus of the murine amelogenin. This is the most complete sequence database for amelogenin peptides and the only DNA sequence for enamel specific genes.

Ameloblastic secretion and calcification of the enamel layer in shark teeth

Tooth primordia at early stages of mineralization in the sharks Negaprion brevirostris and Triaenodon obesus were examined electron microscopically for evidence of ameloblastic secretion and its relation to calcification of the enamel (enameloid) layer. Ameloblasts are polarized with most of the mitochondria and all of the Golgi dictyosomes localized in the infranuclear end of the cell toward the squamous outer cells of the enamel organ. Endoplasmic reticular membranes and ribosomes are also abundant in this region. Ameloblastic vesicles bud from the Golgi membranes and evidently move through perinuclear and supranuclear zones to accumulate at the apical end of the cell. The vesicles secrete their contents through the apical cell membrane in merocrine fashion and appear to contribute precursor material both for the basal lamina and the enameline matrix. The enamel layer consists of four zones: a juxta-laminar zone containing newly polymerized mineralizing fibrils (tubules); a pre-enamel zone of assembly of matrix constituents; palisadal zones of mineralizing fibrils (tubules); and interpalisadal zones containing granular amorphous matrix, fine unit fibrils, and giant cross-banded fibers with a periodicity of 17.9 nm. It seems probable that amorphous, non-mineralizing fibrillar and mineralizing fibrillar constituents of the matrix are all products of ameloblastic secretion. Odontoblastic processes are tightly embedded in the matrix of the palisadal zones and do not appear to be secretory at the stages investigated. The shark tooth enamel layer is considered homologous with that of other vertebrates with respect to origin of its mineralizing fibrils from the innerental epithelium. The term enameloid is appropriate to connote the histological distinction that the enamel layer contains odontoblastic processes but should not signify that shark tooth enamel is a modified type of dentine. How amelogenins and/or enamelins secreted by amelo- blasts in the shark and other vertebrates are related to nucleation and growth of enamel crystallites is still not known.

Isolation of enamelinlike proteins from blue shark (Prionace glauca) enameloid

A sequential dissociative extraction scheme was used to extract proteins from developing Blue Shark enameloid. The first extraction solution (4 M guanidine HC1) solubilized the polypeptides, mainly collagenous, not closely associated with the hydroxyapatite. The next extraction solution (4 M guanidine HC1, 0.5 M ethylenediaminetetraacedic acid (EDTA] solubilized the proteins more closely associated with the tooth mineral component. After extraction, the proteins were separated and isolated with gel electrophoresis. Protein molecular weights were determined and selected proteins were isolated for amino acid composition analysis. The two proteins isolated were tested for mammalian enamel protein antigenic determinants by a "Dot" immunobinding assay. The isolated proteins were enamelinlike by extraction criteria and amino acid composition. Further, the two proteins share antigenic determinants with mammalian enamel proteins.

De novo gene expression detected by amelogenin gene transcript analysis

Reciprocal epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are responsible for mouse molar tooth organogenesis. Only dental ectomesenchymal cells are capable of instructing adjacent epithelial cells to become determined to synthesize and secrete enamel-specific proteins termed the amelogenins. To identify when inner enamel epithelial cells first express enamel specific gene products, cytoplasmic RNA has been analyzed from developing teeth by hybridization to a cloned cDNA probe to one of the amelogenins. It is reported that the de novo expression of amelogenin-encoding RNA as well as immunoprecipitated amelogenin polypeptides are first detected at Theiler stage 27. These data indicate that ectomesenchymal-mediated induction of inner enamel organ epithelia results in both the nascent transcription of amelogenin RNA and subsequent translation of amelogenin polypeptides, which are first detected at birth.