Target type: biologicalprocess
Any process that modulates the frequency, rate or extent of enamel mineralization, the deposition of calcium salts in tooth enamel. [GOC:BHF, GOC:mah]
Enamel mineralization, the process of forming the hard outer layer of teeth, is meticulously regulated by a complex interplay of cellular and molecular mechanisms. This intricate process involves the coordinated action of ameloblasts, specialized epithelial cells responsible for secreting enamel proteins and initiating the crystallization of hydroxyapatite, the primary mineral component of enamel.
The regulation of enamel mineralization begins with the secretion of amelogenin, the most abundant protein in enamel. Amelogenin acts as a scaffold, guiding the growth and arrangement of hydroxyapatite crystals. This process is tightly controlled by the expression and activity of a diverse array of proteins, including ameloblastin, enamelin, and tuftelin. These proteins influence the size, shape, and orientation of the crystals, ensuring the formation of a highly organized and robust enamel structure.
Furthermore, the precise control of calcium and phosphate ion concentrations within the enamel matrix is crucial for proper mineralization. Ameloblasts actively transport these ions, facilitating the nucleation and growth of hydroxyapatite crystals. The transport and deposition of calcium and phosphate are regulated by a network of ion channels and transporters, including the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and the sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX).
The intricate interplay of these cellular and molecular mechanisms ensures the formation of a highly organized, robust, and durable enamel layer that protects the tooth from wear and tear, and provides a strong foundation for chewing and biting. Throughout the process, meticulous control of mineral deposition, crystal growth, and protein processing ensures the proper development of enamel. Disruptions in this complex regulatory network can lead to enamel defects, including hypocalcification, hypomaturation, and hypoplasia, compromising the integrity and function of teeth.
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| Protein | Definition | Taxonomy |
|---|---|---|
| Matrix metalloproteinase-20 | A matrix metalloproteinase-20 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:O60882] | Homo sapiens (human) |
| Compound | Definition | Classes | Roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| marimastat | marimastat : A secondary carboxamide resulting from the foraml condensation of the carboxy group of (2R)-2-[(1S)-1-hydroxy-2-(hydroxyamino)-2-oxoethyl]-4-methylpentanoic acid with the alpha-amino group of N,3-dimethyl-L-valinamide. marimastat: a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor active in patients with advanced carcinoma of the pancreas, prostate, or ovary | hydroxamic acid; secondary carboxamide | antineoplastic agent; matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor |