Mechanism of ameloblast differentiation through basement membrane-epithelial cell interaction

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K18762
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 57070:Developmental dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Kyushu University
• Principal Investigator: Funada Keita 九州大学, 大学病院, 助教 (80847997)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: 歯 / 細胞外マトリックス / 基底膜 / 分化

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Tooth development is initiated by epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. The basement membrane between the epithelium and mesenchyme mediates as an essential scaffold that regulates various signals. We focused on Nephronectin (NPNT), which is specifically localized in the basement membrane during epithelial-mesenchymal interaction.
In this study, we analyzed the function of RGD domain of NPNT using Npnt-ΔEGF and Npnt-ΔRGD expression vectors, lacking the EGF-like repeats and the RGD domain of NPNT. Npnt-FL and Npnt-ΔEGF overexpression in dental epithelial cells (M3H1) resulted in increased expression of ameloblastin (Ambn), which is a differentiation marker for ameloblasts. However, overexpression of Npnt-ΔRGD did not alter the expression of Ambn in M3H1 cells. These data suggest that the RGD domain of NPNT may play an important role for ameloblast differentiation.

Free Research Field

歯科矯正学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

歯の再生において、歯の表面を覆うエナメル質の再生は困難であることが知られている。本研究により、歯原性上皮幹細胞の大量培養法への開発に繋がると考えられる基底膜分子ネフロネクチンの同定に成功した。細胞外マトリックス因子である基底膜分子は、遺伝子導入や遺伝子改変等の技術を必要とせずに細胞へと作用させることができることから、再生医療の応用が期待される。