Phenotype of ENAM mutations is dosage-dependent. (17/76)

Five mutations in the ENAM gene have been found to cause hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), with phenotypes ranging from localized enamel pitting in carriers to severe hypoplastic AI. To determine the generality of ENAM mutations in hypoplastic AI, we sequenced the ENAM gene in ten Turkish families segregating autosomal hypoplastic AI. In two families, ENAM mutations were found. A novel nonsense mutation (g.12663C>A; p.S246X) was identified in one family segregating local hypoplastic AI as a dominant trait. Affected individuals in a second family segregating autosomal-recessive AI were compound heterozygotes for a novel insertion mutation (g.12946_12947insAGTCAGTACCAGTACTGTGTC) and a previously described insertion (g.13185_13186insAG) mutation. Heterozygous carriers of either insertion had a localized enamel-pitting phenotype. These findings substantiate that enamel phenotypes of ENAM mutations may be dose-dependent, with generalized hypoplastic AI segregating as a recessive trait and localized enamel pitting segregating as a dominant trait.  (+info)

Reconstructing impairment of secretory ameloblast function in porcine teeth by analysis of morphological alterations in dental enamel. (18/76)

We studied the relationship between the macroscopic appearance of hypoplastic defects in the dental enamel of wild boar and domestic pigs, and microstructural enamel changes, at both the light and the scanning electron microscopic levels. Deviations from normal enamel microstructure were used to reconstruct the functional and related morphological changes of the secretory ameloblasts caused by the action of stress factors during amelogenesis. The deduced reaction pattern of the secretory ameloblasts can be grouped in a sequence of increasingly severe impairments of cell function. The reactions ranged from a slight enhancement of the periodicity of enamel matrix secretion, over a temporary reduction in the amount of secreted enamel matrix, with reduction of the distal portion of the Tomes' process, to either a temporary or a definite cessation of matrix formation. The results demonstrate that analysis of structural changes in dental enamel allows a detailed reconstruction of the reaction of secretory ameloblasts to stress events, enabling an assessment of duration and intensity of these events. Analysing the deviations from normal enamel microstructure provides a deeper insight into the cellular changes underlying the formation of hypoplastic enamel defects than can be achieved by mere inspection of tooth surface characteristics alone.  (+info)

The molecular etiologies and associated phenotypes of amelogenesis imperfecta. (19/76)

The amelogenesis imperfectas (AIs) are a clinically and genetically diverse group of conditions that are caused by mutations in a variety of genes that are critical for normal enamel formation. To date, mutations have been identified in four genes (AMELX, ENAM, KLK4, MMP20) known to be involved in enamel formation. Additional yet to be identified genes also are implicated in the etiology of AI based on linkage studies. The diverse and often unique phenotypes resulting from the different allelic and non-allelic mutations in these genes provide an opportunity to better understand the role of these genes and their related proteins in enamel formation. Understanding the AI phenotypes also provides an aid to clinicians in directing molecular studies aimed at delineating the genetic basis underlying these diverse clinical conditions. Our current knowledge of the known mutations and associated phenotypes of the different AI subtypes are reviewed.  (+info)

Targeted expression of csCSF-1 in op/op mice ameliorates tooth defects. (20/76)

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize the tooth phenotype of CSF-1-deficient op/op mice and determine whether expression of csCSF-1 in these mice has a role in primary tooth matrix formation. DESIGN: Ameloblasts and odontoblasts, isolated from wt/wt frozen sections using laser capture microdissection, were analysed for csCSF-1, sCSF-1 and CSF-1R mRNA by RT-PCR. Mandibles, excised from 8 days op/op and wt/wt littermates, were examined for tooth morphology as well as amelogenin and DMP1 expression using in situ hybridisation. op/opCS transgenic mice, expressing csCSF-1 in teeth and bone using the osteocalcin promoter, were generated. Skeletal X-rays and histomorphometry were performed; teeth were analysed for morphology and matrix proteins. RESULTS: Normal dental cells in vivo express both CSF-1 isoforms and CSF-1R. Compared to wt/wt, op/op teeth prior to eruption showed altered dental cell morphology and dramatic reduction in DMP1 transcripts. op/opCS mice showed marked resolution of osteopetrosis, tooth eruption and teeth that resembled amelogenesis imperfecta-like phenotype. At 3 weeks, op/op teeth showed severe enamel and dentin defects and barely detectable amelogenin and DMP1. In op/opCS mice, DMP1 in odontoblasts increased to near normal and dentin morphology was restored; amelogenin also increased. Enamel integrity improved in op/opCS, although it was thinner than wt enamel. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate that ameloblasts and odontoblasts are a source and potential target of CSF-1 isoforms in vivo. Expression of csCSF-1 within the tooth microenvironment is essential for normal tooth morphogenesis and may provide a mechanism for coordinating the process of tooth eruption with endogenous matrix formation.  (+info)

Exclusion of known gene for enamel development in two Brazilian families with amelogenesis imperfecta. (21/76)

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a genetically heterogeneous group of diseases that result in defective development of tooth enamel. Mutations in several enamel proteins and proteinases have been associated with AI. The object of this study was to evaluate evidence of etiology for the six major candidate gene loci in two Brazilian families with AI. Genomic DNA was obtained from family members and all exons and exon-intron boundaries of the ENAM, AMBN, AMELX, MMP20, KLK4 and Amelotin gene were amplified and sequenced. Each family was also evaluated for linkage to chromosome regions known to contain genes important in enamel development. The present study indicates that the AI in these two families is not caused by any of the known loci for AI or any of the major candidate genes proposed in the literature. These findings indicate extensive genetic heterogeneity for non-syndromic AI.  (+info)

Amelogenesis imperfecta. (22/76)

Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) represents a group of developmental conditions, genomic in origin, which affect the structure and clinical appearance of enamel of all or nearly all the teeth in a more or less equal manner, and which may be associated with morphologic or biochemical changes elsewhere in the body. The prevalence varies from 1:700 to 1:14,000, according to the populations studied. The enamel may be hypoplastic, hypomineralised or both and teeth affected may be discoloured, sensitive or prone to disintegration. AI exists in isolation or associated with other abnormalities in syndromes. It may show autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, sex-linked and sporadic inheritance patterns. In families with an X-linked form it has been shown that the disorder may result from mutations in the amelogenin gene, AMELX. The enamelin gene, ENAM, is implicated in the pathogenesis of the dominant forms of AI. Autosomal recessive AI has been reported in families with known consanguinity. Diagnosis is based on the family history, pedigree plotting and meticulous clinical observation. Genetic diagnosis is presently only a research tool. The condition presents problems of socialisation, function and discomfort but may be managed by early vigorous intervention, both preventively and restoratively, with treatment continued throughout childhood and into adult life. In infancy, the primary dentition may be protected by the use of preformed metal crowns on posterior teeth. The longer-term care involves either crowns or, more frequently these days, adhesive, plastic restorations.  (+info)

Premature stop codon in MMP20 causing amelogenesis imperfecta. (23/76)

Proteolytic enzymes are necessary for the mineralization of dental enamel during development, and mutations in the kallikrein 4 (KLK4) and enamelysin (MMP20) genes cause autosomal-recessive amelogenesis imperfecta (ARAI). So far, only one KLK4 and two MMP20 mutations have been reported. We have identified an ARAI-causing point mutation (c.102G>A, g.102G>A, and p.W34X) in exon 1 of MMP20 in a proband with autosomal-recessive hypoplastic-hypomaturation amelogenesis imperfecta. The G to A transition changes the tryptophan (W) codon (TGG) at amino acid position 34 into a translation termination (X) codon (TGA). No disease-causing sequence variations were detected in KLK4. The affected enamel is thin, with mild spacing in the anterior dentition. The enamel layer is hypomineralized, does not contrast with dentin on radiographs, and tends to chip away from the underlying dentin. An intrinsic yellowish pigmentation is evident, even during eruption. The phenotype supports current ideas concerning the function of enamelysin.  (+info)

Cytomegalovirus inhibition of embryonic mouse tooth development: a model of the human amelogenesis imperfecta phenocopy. (24/76)

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