New Paradigms on the Transport Functions of Maturation-stage Ameloblasts

• Published in: Journal of dental research Vol. 92; no. 2; pp. 122 - 129
• Main Authors: Lacruz, R.S., Smith, C.E., Kurtz, I., Hubbard, M.J., Paine, M.L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.02.2013; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Ameloblasts; Ameloblasts - physiology; Amelogenesis - genetics; Amelogenesis - physiology; Bicarbonates; Calcium - metabolism; Calcium phosphates; Calcium transport; Cystic fibrosis; Dental enamel; Dentistry; Enamel; Endocytosis; Endocytosis - physiology; Enzymes; Gene expression; Gene Expression Regulation - genetics; Humans; Hydrogen; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Hydroxyapatite; Ion Transport - physiology; Mineralization; Pancreas; Phosphates - metabolism; Proteins; Reviews; Sodium; enamel; endocytosis; ion transport; biomineralization; pH homeostasis; amelogenesis
• ISSN: 0022-0345; 1544-0591; 1544-0591
• DOI: 10.1177/0022034512470954

Fully matured dental enamel is an architecturally and mechanically complex hydroxyapatite-based bioceramic devoid of most of the organic material that was essential in its making. Enamel formation is a staged process principally involving secretory and maturation stages, each associated with major changes in gene expression and cellular function. Cellular activities that define the maturation stage of amelogenesis include ion (e.g., calcium and phosphate) transport and storage, control of intracellular and extracellular pH (e.g., bicarbonate and hydrogen ion movements), and endocytosis. Recent studies on rodent amelogenesis have identified a multitude of gene products that appear to be linked to these cellular activities. This review describes the main cellular activities of these genes during the maturation stage of amelogenesis.