Mutations in a certain molecule end in severe damage within the structure and mineral composition of tooth enamel in mice, in response to a study conducted on the UZH Center of Dental Medicine. The researchers combined genetic, molecular and imaging techniques.

Enamel is the toughest organic tissue present in nature. It has a really complex structure, which is made up of minerals and enamel-specific proteins produced by tooth-exclusive cells called ameloblasts. As robust as tooth enamel is, nevertheless, it remains to be at risk of damage: enamel defects are amongst probably the most common dental problems and end in, amongst other things, pain-sensitive teeth and an increased risk of cavities.

Deal with Adam10 molecule

A team of researchers from the Center of Dental Medicine on the University of Zurich has now for the primary time identified a key gene network that’s answerable for severe tooth enamel defects. Using various genetically modified mouse models, the scientists analyzed the consequences of the Adam10 molecule, which is closely linked to the Notch signaling pathway. This signaling pathway enables communication between adjoining cells, is crucial for embryonic development, and plays a vital role in the event of severe human pathologies corresponding to stroke and cancer. To check the role of the Adam10/Notch signaling within the formation and pathology of tooth enamel intimately and to investigate cellular and enamel structure modifications in teeth upon gene mutation, the researchers used state-of-the-art genetic, molecular and imaging tools.

Defects in enamel structure and mineral composition

The scientists were capable of exhibit that there’s a detailed link between impaired Adam10/Notch function and enamel defects.

Mice carrying mutations of Adam10 have teeth with severe enamel defects. Adam10 deletion causes disorganization of the ameloblasts, which then results in severe defects in each the structure and mineral composition of the enamel”.

Thimios Mitsiadis, Professor of Oral Biology, Center of Dental Medicine and Study Leader

Adam10-dependent Notch signaling is thus not only involved in severe pathological conditions, but additionally within the organization and structure of the developing tissues, corresponding to teeth.

Recent avenues for prevention and therapy

In line with Mitsiadis, understanding the genetic code that controls tooth development, the knowledge of the molecular connections during enamel formation, and the impact of mutations resulting in enamel malformations open latest horizons in the sphere of prevention and treatment. “The necessities for enamel repair and de novo formation are extremely complex, but latest genetic and pharmaceutical tools targeting impaired tooth enamel formation will enable us to considerably improve dental care in future.”

Source:

Journal reference:

Mitsiadis, T.A., et al. (2022) Adam10-dependent Notch signalling establishes dental epithelial cell boundaries required for enamel formation. iScience. doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2022.105154.