Molecular insights into bone and dentin: A roadmap for future dentinogenesis research in endodontics
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Respected Editor, First, it’s important to understand that bone and tooth share a common neural crest-related origin at the embryonic level. When investigated histologically, they also exhibit similar compositional patterns, including both inorganic and organic constituents.[1] However, at the functional level, the cellular constituents and the inherent proportions of the components differ between these two independent structures.[2] Interestingly, both bone and dentin tend to release relatively identical matrices, such as predentin in teeth and osteoid in bone.[3] When assessed microstructurally, dentin is more mineralized than bone and comprises 90% collagenous proteins with similar inorganic components.[4] In-depth structural analysis of both tissues reveals a similar microstructural organic matrix primarily composed of collagen, along with a comparable form of inorganic tissue deposited as crystals, such as hydroxyapatite.[5] At the molecular level, both tissues seem to initiate matrix secretion through carrier forms such as vesicles. Once the extracellular matrix formation has been initiated, complex specific matrix proteins are released to complete the mineralization of these tissues.[6] It is also important to understand that various noncollagenous proteins have been secreted by these tissues. As they share common functions and are sequentially similar in both tissues, they are collectively referred to as the family of Small Integrin-Binding Ligand N-linked Glycoprotein (SIBLING) proteins. Among the various SIBLING proteins, bone sialoprotein, osteopontin, dentin sialophosphoprotein, matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein, and dentin matrix protein 1 are particularly well-studied for their mechanisms. Typically, this class of proteins plays a crucial biological role in the mineralization of both tissues.[3] To date, researchers remain unclear about the specific mineralization mechanisms involved in dentin and bone tissue formation. However, molecular-level research has shed light on the effects of posttranslational modifications that ideally assist in the functioning of these SIBLING proteins, ultimately determining their structural compositions.[3] Thus, at the molecular level, there are specific proteins that have similar control mechanisms in both bone and dentin mineralization. As mentioned earlier, these various SIBLING proteins are not specific to a single tissue and are found in both tissues, influencing the tissue mineralization process through similar mechanisms. It is known at the embryonic level that both tissues exhibit similar developmental patterns. We should also recognize that the secreted extracellular matrix and the inherent cells share many characteristics and functional similarities.[7] Bone- and dentin-forming cells, as noted, have a similar origin and function, including calcium and inorganic mineral deposition.[8] Understanding their key switching and genomic transcriptions helps us modify the molecular signaling patterns and control various physiological and pathological odontogenic processes. Literature evidence indicates that both osteoblasts and odontoblasts synthesize various common proteins that facilitate inorganic mineral handling and help produce a nearly identical organic matrix.[9] Therefore, the extrapolation of studies assessing osteogenesis or osteogenic induction could pave the way for future concepts related to odontogenesis or odontogenic induction. Ideally, future dental research should focus on applying these concepts to dentin–pulp regeneration and on addressing root resorption.[10] Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.
Source: Saudi Endodontic Journal
Institution: Saveetha University
Language: English
Subfield: Rheumatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4409891304