FORSYTH DENTAL INFIRMARY FOR CHILDREN
Three specific aims were proposed, as described in the supplemental grant proposal. Aim 1: To determine the effect of the 32 kDa enamelin on the self-assembly behavior of selected native and recombinant amelogenin?s; Aim 2: To characterize the effect of the 32 kDa enamelin on the hierarchical structures of the amelogenins from pig; and Aim 3: To determine the effect of the co-assembly of enamelin and amelogenin characterized in Aim 2 on the spontaneous formation of calcium phosphates in vitro. Prior to the summer intern joining the lab last summer, however, it became apparent that before these aims are addressed it was important to determine the calcium-binding capacity of each protein to be studied. Such information is deemed critical to the goals of the parent application and Aim 3 of this supplement. The purpose of this supplemental application was to accelerate the pace and achievement of the goals set forth parent grant that addresses Matrix Protein Regulation of Enamel Mineral Formation, and to provide an 8-week summer employment opportunity for a dental student. As proposed, a second-year student from HSDM spent 8 weeks (beginning July 1, 2009) working in our laboratory to achieve the goals set forth in the supplemental and parent grant application. In addition, the proposal was designed to provide an opportunity to enhance the research training of a dental student and further encourage interest in research with the hope that the student will consider a research career after graduation from dental school. Our overall working hypothesis is that higher-order assemblies of full-length amelogenin, in association with soluble acidic matrix proteins (e.g., enamelin), regulate the nucleation, growth, shape, and arrangement of initial enamel mineral crystals. The purpose of this supplement was to enhance studies on the influence of enamelin, shown to be an essential matrix protein for proper enamel formation, on the assembly and mineralization capacity of both native and recombinant amelogenins.