AmeloD regulates cell proliferation and differentiation process of ameloblasts through modulation of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway
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ABSTRACT: Tooth morphogenesis is regulated by various molecules, with the enamel knot playing a particularly important role as a signaling center during early development. AmeloD, a basic-helix-loop-helix transcription factor, is expressed in the enamel knot. Cell proliferation was suppressed in AmeloD-overexpressing SF2 cells, consistent with its function in the cell proliferation arrest region of the enamel knot. RNA sequencing analysis also revealed decreased expression of proliferation-related molecules, such as Mki67, in AmeloD-overexpressing cells. Shh is also known to be expressed in the enamel knot, and AmeloD-overexpressing cells showed increased expression of ameloblastin and Sox21 upon shh stimulation. Indeed, AmeloD-deficient mice exhibited reduced tooth cusp distance, reduced mesio-distal and buccal-lingual tooth diameters, and enamel hypoplasia. To clarify how AmeloD functions in cells, we used a yeast two-hybrid system to identify AmeloD-binding proteins. Odam, Selenof, Kct2, and TCF4 were identified as AmeloD-binding molecules. AmeloD and Odam were expressed in similar regions in mouse postnatal day 1 molar tooth germs, and their expression was confirmed in SF2 cells. To clarify the mechanism by which Odam regulates AmeloD, we transfected AmeloD-overexpressing cells with the Odam gene, and found that AmeloD-mediated cell growth inhibition was reversed. Furthermore, cell scratch assays showed enhanced migration, which was suppressed by overexpression of AmeloD. These results suggest that AmeloD enhances cell arrest at the enamel knot and the stimulation of Shh signaling, and that Odam binds to AmeloD, regulating AmeloD function through these interactions.
ORGANISM(S): Rattus norvegicus
PROVIDER: GSE305871 | GEO | 2025/08/26
REPOSITORIES: GEO
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