Plays a role in biomineralization. Seems to regulate the formation of crystallites during the secretory stage of tooth enamel development. Thought to play a major role in the structural organization and mineralization of developing enamel.
Am. J. Hum. Genet. 50, 303-316 (1992)[PubMed:1734713]
Amelogenins, a family of extracellular matrix proteins of the dental enamel, are transiently but abundantly expressed by ameloblasts during tooth development. Amelogenins seem to regulate the formation of crystallites during the secretory stage of enamel development, while they are specifically degraded during tooth-bud maturation. In this paper we report the characterization of the AMGX and AMGY genes on the short arms of the human X and Y chromosomes which encode the amelogenins. Our studies on the expression of the amelogenin genes in male developing tooth buds showed that both the AMGX and AMGY genes are transcriptionally active and encode potentially functional proteins. We have isolated genomic and cDNA clones from both the AMGX and AMGY loci and have studied the sequence organization of these two genes. Reverse transcriptase (RT)PCR amplification of the 5' portion of the amelogenin transcripts revealed several alternatively spliced products. The splicing pattern observed in the Y-derived mRNA varies from that of the X-derived mRNA. The promoter regions from both genes and the predicted amelogenin protein sequences are presented. This information will be useful for studying the molecular basis of X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta, for understanding the evolution and regulation of gene expression on the mammalian sex chromosomes, and for investigating the role of amelogenin genes during tooth development.
The function that stimulates a cell to grow or proliferate. Most growth factors have other actions besides the induction of cell growth or proliferation.
Evidence
1:
Inferred from Sequence or Structural SimilarityBHF-UCL
Am. J. Hum. Genet. 50, 303-316 (1992)[PubMed:1734713]
Amelogenins, a family of extracellular matrix proteins of the dental enamel, are transiently but abundantly expressed by ameloblasts during tooth development. Amelogenins seem to regulate the formation of crystallites during the secretory stage of enamel development, while they are specifically degraded during tooth-bud maturation. In this paper we report the characterization of the AMGX and AMGY genes on the short arms of the human X and Y chromosomes which encode the amelogenins. Our studies on the expression of the amelogenin genes in male developing tooth buds showed that both the AMGX and AMGY genes are transcriptionally active and encode potentially functional proteins. We have isolated genomic and cDNA clones from both the AMGX and AMGY loci and have studied the sequence organization of these two genes. Reverse transcriptase (RT)PCR amplification of the 5' portion of the amelogenin transcripts revealed several alternatively spliced products. The splicing pattern observed in the Y-derived mRNA varies from that of the X-derived mRNA. The promoter regions from both genes and the predicted amelogenin protein sequences are presented. This information will be useful for studying the molecular basis of X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta, for understanding the evolution and regulation of gene expression on the mammalian sex chromosomes, and for investigating the role of amelogenin genes during tooth development.
Interacting selectively and non-covalently with hydroxyapatite, the calcium phosphate mineral of formula Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 found both in rocks of nonorganic origin and as a component of bone and dentin.
Evidence
1:
Inferred from Sequence or Structural SimilarityBHF-UCL
Am. J. Hum. Genet. 50, 303-316 (1992)[PubMed:1734713]
Amelogenins, a family of extracellular matrix proteins of the dental enamel, are transiently but abundantly expressed by ameloblasts during tooth development. Amelogenins seem to regulate the formation of crystallites during the secretory stage of enamel development, while they are specifically degraded during tooth-bud maturation. In this paper we report the characterization of the AMGX and AMGY genes on the short arms of the human X and Y chromosomes which encode the amelogenins. Our studies on the expression of the amelogenin genes in male developing tooth buds showed that both the AMGX and AMGY genes are transcriptionally active and encode potentially functional proteins. We have isolated genomic and cDNA clones from both the AMGX and AMGY loci and have studied the sequence organization of these two genes. Reverse transcriptase (RT)PCR amplification of the 5' portion of the amelogenin transcripts revealed several alternatively spliced products. The splicing pattern observed in the Y-derived mRNA varies from that of the X-derived mRNA. The promoter regions from both genes and the predicted amelogenin protein sequences are presented. This information will be useful for studying the molecular basis of X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta, for understanding the evolution and regulation of gene expression on the mammalian sex chromosomes, and for investigating the role of amelogenin genes during tooth development.
Am. J. Hum. Genet. 50, 303-316 (1992)[PubMed:1734713]
Amelogenins, a family of extracellular matrix proteins of the dental enamel, are transiently but abundantly expressed by ameloblasts during tooth development. Amelogenins seem to regulate the formation of crystallites during the secretory stage of enamel development, while they are specifically degraded during tooth-bud maturation. In this paper we report the characterization of the AMGX and AMGY genes on the short arms of the human X and Y chromosomes which encode the amelogenins. Our studies on the expression of the amelogenin genes in male developing tooth buds showed that both the AMGX and AMGY genes are transcriptionally active and encode potentially functional proteins. We have isolated genomic and cDNA clones from both the AMGX and AMGY loci and have studied the sequence organization of these two genes. Reverse transcriptase (RT)PCR amplification of the 5' portion of the amelogenin transcripts revealed several alternatively spliced products. The splicing pattern observed in the Y-derived mRNA varies from that of the X-derived mRNA. The promoter regions from both genes and the predicted amelogenin protein sequences are presented. This information will be useful for studying the molecular basis of X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta, for understanding the evolution and regulation of gene expression on the mammalian sex chromosomes, and for investigating the role of amelogenin genes during tooth development.
Interacting selectively and non-covalently with any protein or protein complex (a complex of two or more proteins that may include other nonprotein molecules).
Evidence
1:
Inferred from Physical InteractionBHF-UCL
Amelogenin with a proline 41 to threonine mutation (P41T) is hydrolyzed at a lower rate by matrix metalloproteinase 20 (MMP20), resulting in an inherited tooth enamel defect, amelogenesis imperfecta (AI). The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of P41T on the interactions between amelogenin and MMP20, which may contribute to the formation of this type of AI. The interactions of a recombinant wild-type human amelogenin and its P41T mutant with recombinant human MMP20 were compared by substrate competition assay, pull-down assay, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The results showed that the binding of the P41T mutant amelogenin for MMP20 was significantly lower than that of wild-type amelogenin. Our study supports a model in which the P41T mutation reduces the interactions between amelogenin and MMP20, leading to decreased degradation of amelogenin by MMP20, and resulting in AI.
The extracellular protein matrix of developing enamel includes a major class of proteins, the amelogenins, which are believed to be concerned in regulating enamel biomineralization. Previous studies have shown the amelogenins of the extracellular matrix to be a complex of proline-rich hydrophobic proteins which, it is suggested, arise through posttranslational and postsecretory processing of a primary ameloblast gene product. More recently, it has been shown that the human amelogenin gene is located on both the X and Y chromosomes raising the possibility that polymorphism at the level of the gene may also contribute to the observed complexity of these enamel matrix proteins. To investigate such possible amelogenin polymorphism in developing human dental enamel, individual fractionated by size-exclusion and reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Two tyrosine-rich amelogenin polypeptides (TRAPs) of approximately 5 kDa in size were isolated from an individual human dentition and characterized by automated gas-phase sequencing. These polypeptides were found to be of 42 (TRAP-2) and 44 (TRAP-1) amino acid residues in length; TRAP-2 lacked a carboxy-terminal -Gly-Trp sequence as has previously been described for analogous bovine TRAP molecules. However, residue #25 of the human TRAP-2 sequence was refractory to sequencing, apparently differing from the Trp-25 identified in TRAP-1. These findings suggest (1) two forms of TRAP molecules, differing only by cleavage of a carboxy-terminal dipeptide, are a general feature of human and other mammalian enamel proteins, probably being derived by postsecretory cleavage from the primary extracellular amelogenin; and (2) in human developing enamel four forms of TRAPs may arise either from polymorphism at the level of the gene, or by posttranscriptional alternative splicing of amelogenin mRNAs, coupled with specific post-secretory proteolytic processing.
Am. J. Hum. Genet. 50, 303-316 (1992)[PubMed:1734713]
Amelogenins, a family of extracellular matrix proteins of the dental enamel, are transiently but abundantly expressed by ameloblasts during tooth development. Amelogenins seem to regulate the formation of crystallites during the secretory stage of enamel development, while they are specifically degraded during tooth-bud maturation. In this paper we report the characterization of the AMGX and AMGY genes on the short arms of the human X and Y chromosomes which encode the amelogenins. Our studies on the expression of the amelogenin genes in male developing tooth buds showed that both the AMGX and AMGY genes are transcriptionally active and encode potentially functional proteins. We have isolated genomic and cDNA clones from both the AMGX and AMGY loci and have studied the sequence organization of these two genes. Reverse transcriptase (RT)PCR amplification of the 5' portion of the amelogenin transcripts revealed several alternatively spliced products. The splicing pattern observed in the Y-derived mRNA varies from that of the X-derived mRNA. The promoter regions from both genes and the predicted amelogenin protein sequences are presented. This information will be useful for studying the molecular basis of X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta, for understanding the evolution and regulation of gene expression on the mammalian sex chromosomes, and for investigating the role of amelogenin genes during tooth development.
A family with X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta (XAI) is described in which the disease is associated with a nonsense mutation in exon 5 of the amelogenin gene. This mutation involves a single base deletion (CCCC-->CCC) in the exon in an affected male, his sister and his mother. The effect of this deletion is to alter the reading frame and to introduce an inappropriate TGA stop codon (an opal mutation) into the exonic sequence of the amelogenin gene immediately 3' of the mutation. The clinical features in the examined members of this family indicate that, in some individuals, the most noticeable defect is of enamel hypoplasia. In others, the hypoplastic changes are subtle and might have been overlooked on cursory examination; the most noticeable change is of enamel colour, indicating a degree of hypomineralisation. We propose that the amelogenin gene is implicated in both the formation of enamel of normal thickness and in the normal mineralisation process.
Formation of hard tissues that consist mainly of inorganic compounds, and also contain a small amounts of organic matrices that are believed to play important roles in their formation.
The extracellular protein matrix of developing enamel includes a major class of proteins, the amelogenins, which are believed to be concerned in regulating enamel biomineralization. Previous studies have shown the amelogenins of the extracellular matrix to be a complex of proline-rich hydrophobic proteins which, it is suggested, arise through posttranslational and postsecretory processing of a primary ameloblast gene product. More recently, it has been shown that the human amelogenin gene is located on both the X and Y chromosomes raising the possibility that polymorphism at the level of the gene may also contribute to the observed complexity of these enamel matrix proteins. To investigate such possible amelogenin polymorphism in developing human dental enamel, individual fractionated by size-exclusion and reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Two tyrosine-rich amelogenin polypeptides (TRAPs) of approximately 5 kDa in size were isolated from an individual human dentition and characterized by automated gas-phase sequencing. These polypeptides were found to be of 42 (TRAP-2) and 44 (TRAP-1) amino acid residues in length; TRAP-2 lacked a carboxy-terminal -Gly-Trp sequence as has previously been described for analogous bovine TRAP molecules. However, residue #25 of the human TRAP-2 sequence was refractory to sequencing, apparently differing from the Trp-25 identified in TRAP-1. These findings suggest (1) two forms of TRAP molecules, differing only by cleavage of a carboxy-terminal dipeptide, are a general feature of human and other mammalian enamel proteins, probably being derived by postsecretory cleavage from the primary extracellular amelogenin; and (2) in human developing enamel four forms of TRAPs may arise either from polymorphism at the level of the gene, or by posttranscriptional alternative splicing of amelogenin mRNAs, coupled with specific post-secretory proteolytic processing.
Am. J. Hum. Genet. 50, 303-316 (1992)[PubMed:1734713]
Amelogenins, a family of extracellular matrix proteins of the dental enamel, are transiently but abundantly expressed by ameloblasts during tooth development. Amelogenins seem to regulate the formation of crystallites during the secretory stage of enamel development, while they are specifically degraded during tooth-bud maturation. In this paper we report the characterization of the AMGX and AMGY genes on the short arms of the human X and Y chromosomes which encode the amelogenins. Our studies on the expression of the amelogenin genes in male developing tooth buds showed that both the AMGX and AMGY genes are transcriptionally active and encode potentially functional proteins. We have isolated genomic and cDNA clones from both the AMGX and AMGY loci and have studied the sequence organization of these two genes. Reverse transcriptase (RT)PCR amplification of the 5' portion of the amelogenin transcripts revealed several alternatively spliced products. The splicing pattern observed in the Y-derived mRNA varies from that of the X-derived mRNA. The promoter regions from both genes and the predicted amelogenin protein sequences are presented. This information will be useful for studying the molecular basis of X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta, for understanding the evolution and regulation of gene expression on the mammalian sex chromosomes, and for investigating the role of amelogenin genes during tooth development.
Am. J. Hum. Genet. 50, 303-316 (1992)[PubMed:1734713]
Amelogenins, a family of extracellular matrix proteins of the dental enamel, are transiently but abundantly expressed by ameloblasts during tooth development. Amelogenins seem to regulate the formation of crystallites during the secretory stage of enamel development, while they are specifically degraded during tooth-bud maturation. In this paper we report the characterization of the AMGX and AMGY genes on the short arms of the human X and Y chromosomes which encode the amelogenins. Our studies on the expression of the amelogenin genes in male developing tooth buds showed that both the AMGX and AMGY genes are transcriptionally active and encode potentially functional proteins. We have isolated genomic and cDNA clones from both the AMGX and AMGY loci and have studied the sequence organization of these two genes. Reverse transcriptase (RT)PCR amplification of the 5' portion of the amelogenin transcripts revealed several alternatively spliced products. The splicing pattern observed in the Y-derived mRNA varies from that of the X-derived mRNA. The promoter regions from both genes and the predicted amelogenin protein sequences are presented. This information will be useful for studying the molecular basis of X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta, for understanding the evolution and regulation of gene expression on the mammalian sex chromosomes, and for investigating the role of amelogenin genes during tooth development.
The process in which a chondroblast acquires specialized structural and/or functional features of a chondrocyte. A chondrocyte is a polymorphic cell that forms cartilage.
Evidence
1:
Inferred from Sequence or Structural SimilarityBHF-UCL
Am. J. Hum. Genet. 50, 303-316 (1992)[PubMed:1734713]
Amelogenins, a family of extracellular matrix proteins of the dental enamel, are transiently but abundantly expressed by ameloblasts during tooth development. Amelogenins seem to regulate the formation of crystallites during the secretory stage of enamel development, while they are specifically degraded during tooth-bud maturation. In this paper we report the characterization of the AMGX and AMGY genes on the short arms of the human X and Y chromosomes which encode the amelogenins. Our studies on the expression of the amelogenin genes in male developing tooth buds showed that both the AMGX and AMGY genes are transcriptionally active and encode potentially functional proteins. We have isolated genomic and cDNA clones from both the AMGX and AMGY loci and have studied the sequence organization of these two genes. Reverse transcriptase (RT)PCR amplification of the 5' portion of the amelogenin transcripts revealed several alternatively spliced products. The splicing pattern observed in the Y-derived mRNA varies from that of the X-derived mRNA. The promoter regions from both genes and the predicted amelogenin protein sequences are presented. This information will be useful for studying the molecular basis of X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta, for understanding the evolution and regulation of gene expression on the mammalian sex chromosomes, and for investigating the role of amelogenin genes during tooth development.
Amelogenesis imperfecta is characterized by the defective formation of tooth enamel. Here we present evidence that the X-linked form of this disorder (AIH1) is caused by a structural alteration in one of the predominant proteins in enamel, amelogenin. Southern blot analysis revealed a deletion extending over 5 kb of the amelogenin gene in males with the hypomineralization form of the AIH1. Carrier females were heterozygous for the molecular defect. The deletion appears to include at least two exons of the amelogenin gene and the extent of the deletion was verified by PCR analysis. The mutation was shown to segregate with the disease among 15 analyzed individuals belonging to the same kindred. Our results link a defect in the amelogenin gene to the abnormal formation of enamel. We thus conclude that the amelogenin protein has a role in biomineralization of tooth enamel.
A transition where an epithelial cell loses apical/basolateral polarity, severs intercellular adhesive junctions, degrades basement membrane components and becomes a migratory mesenchymal cell.
Evidence
1:
Inferred from Sequence or Structural SimilarityBHF-UCL
Am. J. Hum. Genet. 50, 303-316 (1992)[PubMed:1734713]
Amelogenins, a family of extracellular matrix proteins of the dental enamel, are transiently but abundantly expressed by ameloblasts during tooth development. Amelogenins seem to regulate the formation of crystallites during the secretory stage of enamel development, while they are specifically degraded during tooth-bud maturation. In this paper we report the characterization of the AMGX and AMGY genes on the short arms of the human X and Y chromosomes which encode the amelogenins. Our studies on the expression of the amelogenin genes in male developing tooth buds showed that both the AMGX and AMGY genes are transcriptionally active and encode potentially functional proteins. We have isolated genomic and cDNA clones from both the AMGX and AMGY loci and have studied the sequence organization of these two genes. Reverse transcriptase (RT)PCR amplification of the 5' portion of the amelogenin transcripts revealed several alternatively spliced products. The splicing pattern observed in the Y-derived mRNA varies from that of the X-derived mRNA. The promoter regions from both genes and the predicted amelogenin protein sequences are presented. This information will be useful for studying the molecular basis of X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta, for understanding the evolution and regulation of gene expression on the mammalian sex chromosomes, and for investigating the role of amelogenin genes during tooth development.
The extracellular protein matrix of developing enamel includes a major class of proteins, the amelogenins, which are believed to be concerned in regulating enamel biomineralization. Previous studies have shown the amelogenins of the extracellular matrix to be a complex of proline-rich hydrophobic proteins which, it is suggested, arise through posttranslational and postsecretory processing of a primary ameloblast gene product. More recently, it has been shown that the human amelogenin gene is located on both the X and Y chromosomes raising the possibility that polymorphism at the level of the gene may also contribute to the observed complexity of these enamel matrix proteins. To investigate such possible amelogenin polymorphism in developing human dental enamel, individual fractionated by size-exclusion and reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Two tyrosine-rich amelogenin polypeptides (TRAPs) of approximately 5 kDa in size were isolated from an individual human dentition and characterized by automated gas-phase sequencing. These polypeptides were found to be of 42 (TRAP-2) and 44 (TRAP-1) amino acid residues in length; TRAP-2 lacked a carboxy-terminal -Gly-Trp sequence as has previously been described for analogous bovine TRAP molecules. However, residue #25 of the human TRAP-2 sequence was refractory to sequencing, apparently differing from the Trp-25 identified in TRAP-1. These findings suggest (1) two forms of TRAP molecules, differing only by cleavage of a carboxy-terminal dipeptide, are a general feature of human and other mammalian enamel proteins, probably being derived by postsecretory cleavage from the primary extracellular amelogenin; and (2) in human developing enamel four forms of TRAPs may arise either from polymorphism at the level of the gene, or by posttranscriptional alternative splicing of amelogenin mRNAs, coupled with specific post-secretory proteolytic processing.
The process whose specific outcome is the progression of a dentin-containing tooth over time, from its formation to the mature structure. A dentin-containing tooth is a hard, bony organ borne on the jaw or other bone of a vertebrate, and is composed mainly of dentin, a dense calcified substance, covered by a layer of enamel.
Evidence
1:
Inferred from Sequence or Structural SimilarityBHF-UCL
Am. J. Hum. Genet. 50, 303-316 (1992)[PubMed:1734713]
Amelogenins, a family of extracellular matrix proteins of the dental enamel, are transiently but abundantly expressed by ameloblasts during tooth development. Amelogenins seem to regulate the formation of crystallites during the secretory stage of enamel development, while they are specifically degraded during tooth-bud maturation. In this paper we report the characterization of the AMGX and AMGY genes on the short arms of the human X and Y chromosomes which encode the amelogenins. Our studies on the expression of the amelogenin genes in male developing tooth buds showed that both the AMGX and AMGY genes are transcriptionally active and encode potentially functional proteins. We have isolated genomic and cDNA clones from both the AMGX and AMGY loci and have studied the sequence organization of these two genes. Reverse transcriptase (RT)PCR amplification of the 5' portion of the amelogenin transcripts revealed several alternatively spliced products. The splicing pattern observed in the Y-derived mRNA varies from that of the X-derived mRNA. The promoter regions from both genes and the predicted amelogenin protein sequences are presented. This information will be useful for studying the molecular basis of X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta, for understanding the evolution and regulation of gene expression on the mammalian sex chromosomes, and for investigating the role of amelogenin genes during tooth development.
The process whereby a relatively unspecialized cell acquires the specialized features of an osteoblast, a mesodermal or neural crest cell that gives rise to bone.
Evidence
1:
Inferred from Sequence or Structural SimilarityBHF-UCL
Am. J. Hum. Genet. 50, 303-316 (1992)[PubMed:1734713]
Amelogenins, a family of extracellular matrix proteins of the dental enamel, are transiently but abundantly expressed by ameloblasts during tooth development. Amelogenins seem to regulate the formation of crystallites during the secretory stage of enamel development, while they are specifically degraded during tooth-bud maturation. In this paper we report the characterization of the AMGX and AMGY genes on the short arms of the human X and Y chromosomes which encode the amelogenins. Our studies on the expression of the amelogenin genes in male developing tooth buds showed that both the AMGX and AMGY genes are transcriptionally active and encode potentially functional proteins. We have isolated genomic and cDNA clones from both the AMGX and AMGY loci and have studied the sequence organization of these two genes. Reverse transcriptase (RT)PCR amplification of the 5' portion of the amelogenin transcripts revealed several alternatively spliced products. The splicing pattern observed in the Y-derived mRNA varies from that of the X-derived mRNA. The promoter regions from both genes and the predicted amelogenin protein sequences are presented. This information will be useful for studying the molecular basis of X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta, for understanding the evolution and regulation of gene expression on the mammalian sex chromosomes, and for investigating the role of amelogenin genes during tooth development.
Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of the chemical reactions and pathways resulting in the formation of collagen, any of a group of fibrous proteins of very high tensile strength that form the main component of connective tissue in animals.
Evidence
1:
Inferred from Sequence or Structural SimilarityBHF-UCL
Am. J. Hum. Genet. 50, 303-316 (1992)[PubMed:1734713]
Amelogenins, a family of extracellular matrix proteins of the dental enamel, are transiently but abundantly expressed by ameloblasts during tooth development. Amelogenins seem to regulate the formation of crystallites during the secretory stage of enamel development, while they are specifically degraded during tooth-bud maturation. In this paper we report the characterization of the AMGX and AMGY genes on the short arms of the human X and Y chromosomes which encode the amelogenins. Our studies on the expression of the amelogenin genes in male developing tooth buds showed that both the AMGX and AMGY genes are transcriptionally active and encode potentially functional proteins. We have isolated genomic and cDNA clones from both the AMGX and AMGY loci and have studied the sequence organization of these two genes. Reverse transcriptase (RT)PCR amplification of the 5' portion of the amelogenin transcripts revealed several alternatively spliced products. The splicing pattern observed in the Y-derived mRNA varies from that of the X-derived mRNA. The promoter regions from both genes and the predicted amelogenin protein sequences are presented. This information will be useful for studying the molecular basis of X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta, for understanding the evolution and regulation of gene expression on the mammalian sex chromosomes, and for investigating the role of amelogenin genes during tooth development.
The extracellular protein matrix of developing enamel includes a major class of proteins, the amelogenins, which are believed to be concerned in regulating enamel biomineralization. Previous studies have shown the amelogenins of the extracellular matrix to be a complex of proline-rich hydrophobic proteins which, it is suggested, arise through posttranslational and postsecretory processing of a primary ameloblast gene product. More recently, it has been shown that the human amelogenin gene is located on both the X and Y chromosomes raising the possibility that polymorphism at the level of the gene may also contribute to the observed complexity of these enamel matrix proteins. To investigate such possible amelogenin polymorphism in developing human dental enamel, individual fractionated by size-exclusion and reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Two tyrosine-rich amelogenin polypeptides (TRAPs) of approximately 5 kDa in size were isolated from an individual human dentition and characterized by automated gas-phase sequencing. These polypeptides were found to be of 42 (TRAP-2) and 44 (TRAP-1) amino acid residues in length; TRAP-2 lacked a carboxy-terminal -Gly-Trp sequence as has previously been described for analogous bovine TRAP molecules. However, residue #25 of the human TRAP-2 sequence was refractory to sequencing, apparently differing from the Trp-25 identified in TRAP-1. These findings suggest (1) two forms of TRAP molecules, differing only by cleavage of a carboxy-terminal dipeptide, are a general feature of human and other mammalian enamel proteins, probably being derived by postsecretory cleavage from the primary extracellular amelogenin; and (2) in human developing enamel four forms of TRAPs may arise either from polymorphism at the level of the gene, or by posttranscriptional alternative splicing of amelogenin mRNAs, coupled with specific post-secretory proteolytic processing.
The cellular process in which a signal is conveyed to trigger a change in the activity or state of a cell. Signal transduction begins with reception of a signal (e.g. a ligand binding to a receptor or receptor activation by a stimulus such as light), or for signal transduction in the absence of ligand, signal-withdrawal or the activity of a constitutively active receptor. Signal transduction ends with regulation of a downstream cellular process, e.g. regulation of transcription or regulation of a metabolic process. Signal transduction covers signaling from receptors located on the surface of the cell and signaling via molecules located within the cell. For signaling between cells, signal transduction is restricted to events at and within the receiving cell.
The amelogenin protein is considered as the major molecular marker of developing and mineralizing ectodermal enamel. It regulates the shape, size, and direction of growth of the enamel mineral crystallite. Recent data suggest other roles for amelogenin beyond regulation of enamel mineral crystal growth. The present study describes our recent discovery of amelogenin expression in soft tissues: in brain and in cells of the hematopoietic system, such as macrophages, megakaryocytes and in some of the hematopoietic stem cells. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) followed by cDNA sequencing revealed, in mouse brain, two amelogenin mRNA isoforms: the full-length amelogenin including exon 4, and the isoform lacking exon 4. Immunohistochemistry revealed amelogenin expression in brain glial cells. Mouse macrophages were found to express the full-length amelogenin sequence lacking exon 4. Confocal microscopy revealed colocalization of amelogenin and CD41 (a megakaryocyte marker), as well as amelogenin and CD34 (a hematopoietic stem cell marker) in some of the bone marrow cells. The expression of amelogenin, a major structural protein of the mineralizing extracellular enamel matrix, also in cells of non-mineralizing soft tissues, suggests that amelogenin is multifunctional. Several different potential functions of amelogenin are discussed.
Am. J. Hum. Genet. 50, 303-316 (1992)[PubMed:1734713]
Amelogenins, a family of extracellular matrix proteins of the dental enamel, are transiently but abundantly expressed by ameloblasts during tooth development. Amelogenins seem to regulate the formation of crystallites during the secretory stage of enamel development, while they are specifically degraded during tooth-bud maturation. In this paper we report the characterization of the AMGX and AMGY genes on the short arms of the human X and Y chromosomes which encode the amelogenins. Our studies on the expression of the amelogenin genes in male developing tooth buds showed that both the AMGX and AMGY genes are transcriptionally active and encode potentially functional proteins. We have isolated genomic and cDNA clones from both the AMGX and AMGY loci and have studied the sequence organization of these two genes. Reverse transcriptase (RT)PCR amplification of the 5' portion of the amelogenin transcripts revealed several alternatively spliced products. The splicing pattern observed in the Y-derived mRNA varies from that of the X-derived mRNA. The promoter regions from both genes and the predicted amelogenin protein sequences are presented. This information will be useful for studying the molecular basis of X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta, for understanding the evolution and regulation of gene expression on the mammalian sex chromosomes, and for investigating the role of amelogenin genes during tooth development.
A family with X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta (XAI) is described in which the disease is associated with a nonsense mutation in exon 5 of the amelogenin gene. This mutation involves a single base deletion (CCCC-->CCC) in the exon in an affected male, his sister and his mother. The effect of this deletion is to alter the reading frame and to introduce an inappropriate TGA stop codon (an opal mutation) into the exonic sequence of the amelogenin gene immediately 3' of the mutation. The clinical features in the examined members of this family indicate that, in some individuals, the most noticeable defect is of enamel hypoplasia. In others, the hypoplastic changes are subtle and might have been overlooked on cursory examination; the most noticeable change is of enamel colour, indicating a degree of hypomineralisation. We propose that the amelogenin gene is implicated in both the formation of enamel of normal thickness and in the normal mineralisation process.
Protein involved in the process by which mineral crystals are deposited in an organized fashion in the matrix (either cellular or extracellular) of living organisms. Such process give rise to inorganic-based structures such as bone, tooth, ivory, shells, cuticles, corals or bacterial magnetosomes.
A reference proteome is a set of protein sequences derived from a complete proteome which constitutes a defined standard for a particular user community. Reference proteomes are manually defined according to a number of criteria. They cover the proteomes of well- studied model organisms and other proteomes of interest for biomedical and biotechnological research. Reference proteomes have been selected to provide broad coverage of the tree of life, and constitute a representative cross-section of the taxonomic diversity to be found within UniProtKB.