核心结合因子α1诱导人牙乳头细胞矿化的相关蛋白表达

目的 在人牙乳头细胞中探讨核心结合因子α1(core binding factor α1，cbfal)能否调控矿化相关蛋白的表达。方法 体外培养人牙乳头细胞，转染peDNA3-cbfal重组质粒，稳定表达cbfal后检测碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase，ALP)和骨钙素(osteoealcin，OC)含量，同时采用免疫组化、免疫印迹和PCR等方法观察骨桥素(osteopontin，OPN)、骨涎蛋白(bone sialoprotein，BSP)、骨连素(osteonectin，ON)、牙本质基质蛋白(dentin matrix protein 1，DMP1)、牙本质涎蛋白(dentin sialoprotein，DSP)和牙本质涎磷蛋白(dentin sialophosphopmtein，DSPP)的表达。结果 建立了稳定表达cbfal基因和蛋白的人牙乳头细胞模型PC-3，发现转染后细胞的ALP和OC含量明显增高，OPN、BSP、ON、DMP1的表达也明显增高，但未发现牙本质特异性蛋白DSP及其编码基因DSPP的表达。结论 在人牙乳头细胞中，cbfal能上调ALP和OC含量，诱导多种矿化组织特异性蛋白的表达，在牙齿发育矿化中有重要作用，提示它与牙乳头细胞分化为成牙本质细胞的启动有关。     

牙本质非胶原蛋白诱导颅神经嵴干细胞向成牙本质细胞表型分化

目的探讨颅神经嵴干细胞(CNCSC)用于牙再生研究的可行性,观察牙本质基质非胶原蛋白(DMNCP)对CNCSC的成牙本质样细胞表型分化的影响。方法小鼠神经管组织块无血清条件培养法获取颅神经嵴干细胞,以DMNCP体外诱导CNCSC的分化,形态学、免疫细胞化学、茜素红特染等方法,分别从Ⅰ型胶原表达、牙本质涎磷蛋白(DSPP)表达、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性及钙结节形成情况,鉴定CNCSC的成牙本质样细胞表型。结果诱导后的CNCSC呈现I型胶原、DSPP阳性表达,ALP活性增高,钙结节形成,具有成牙本质细胞表型特征。结论DMNCP具有诱导CNCSC向成牙本质细胞表型分化的作用,利用CNCSC开展牙再生研究是可行的。     

细胞外基质磷酸化糖蛋白在人牙髓细胞成牙本质分化中的表达

义(P<0.05).蛋白质印迹法检测显示各矿化标记的蛋白表达均较对照组上调.结论 在hDPC诱导成牙本质分化的过程中,MEPE与DSPP、DSP、BSP、Ⅰ型胶原呈现相似的表达变化趋势,提示MEPE与hDPC的成牙本质分化有关,可作为hDPC向成牙本质样细胞分化的标志.     

高迁移率族蛋白B1在人牙髓细胞成牙本质分化中的表达

目的:检测人牙髓细胞(human dental pulp cells,hDPCs)诱导矿化过程中高迁移率族蛋白B1(high-mobility group box 1,HMGB1)的表达变化,探讨HMGB1在人牙髓细胞损伤修复中的可能作用。方法:组织块法分离培养hDPCs,收集矿化诱导0、3、7、11、14d后hDPCs的mRNA、蛋白质及细胞爬片,实时荧光定量反转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)和蛋白质印迹法(western blot)分别检测HMGB1、牙本质涎磷蛋白(dentin sialophosphoprotein, DSPP)、牙本质基质蛋白1(dentin matrix protein 1, DMP1)及碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase, ALP)的mRNA及蛋白表达水平;并检测ALP活性,免疫荧光检测HMGB1在hDPCs矿化过程中的表达。结果:hDPCs矿化诱导后,DMP1、DSPP、ALP及HMGB1的mRNA表达显著性上调,DMP1、DSPP和ALP的mRNA以及碱性磷酸酶活性在诱导7 d、11 d和14 d后与对照组间差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),HMGB1mRNA在矿化诱导11d和14d后与对照组的差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。蛋白印迹法检测示细胞内各矿化标记的蛋白表达均较对照组上调,而细胞内HMGB1的蛋白表达较对照组下调。免疫荧光结果显示hDPCs矿化过程中,HMGB1逐渐从胞核转移至胞浆。结论:在hDPCs诱导成牙本质细胞分化过程中,HMGB1在mRNA水平上与DMP1、DSPP和ALP的表达变化趋势相似,而细胞内HMGB1蛋白水平表达下调,且HMGB1在hDPCs细胞内出现转位,提示HMGB1与hDPCs的成牙本质分化有关,可能在牙髓细胞损伤修复中发挥作用。     

成牙本质细胞表达相关蛋白作用的研究进展

成牙本质细胞分泌的蛋白质、基质、生长因子等在牙齿发育和牙髓损伤修复中都起着重要的调节作用。牙本质基质蛋白(DMP1)、牙本质涎蛋白(DSP)、牙本质磷蛋白(DPP)、巢蛋白、clock蛋白、骨黏附蛋白聚糖(OSAD)等在牙本质形成、矿化及牙本质修复等过程中发挥着各自的作用。此外,其中某些蛋白对常染色体隐性低血磷性佝偻病、非矿化组织疾病发病机制的研究具有重要意义。本文就成牙本质细胞表达相关蛋白在牙发育及损伤修复中的作用机制做一综述。     

牙本质基质蛋白1基因转染猪成纤维细胞的实验研究

目的评价牙本质基质蛋白1（dental matrix protein-1，DMP1）转基因修饰猪口腔黏膜成纤维细胞（porcine oral mucosa fibroblasts，POMF）后，对POMF生物学特性及DMP1表达的影响。方法构建pEGFP-DMP1绿色荧光融合蛋白真核表达载体，脂质体介导转染POMF，同时转染猪骨髓间质干细胞（mesenehymal stem cells，MSC）作为对照。检测转染后细胞的DMP1、釉鞘蛋白、牙本质涎蛋白（dentin sialoprotein，DSP）基因表达以及DMP1、DSP蛋白的表达情况，同时检测转染细胞矿化诱导后钙盐染色及转染细胞三维立体培养钙结节的形成情况。结果成功构建了DMP1真核表达载体pEGFP-DMP1，转基因后的POMF及MSC均可见有DMP1、釉鞘蛋白、DSP基因表达及DMP1、DSP蛋白表达阳性。DMP1转染POMF及MSC矿化诱导后钙盐染色，以及DMP1转染细胞三维立体培养石蜡切片HE染色，其矿化结节形成率均高于未转染细胞。结论POMF转基因表达DMP1能增强其矿化能力，诱导牙齿发育相关基因釉鞘蛋白及DSP的表达。     

人牙髓干细胞诱导后人牙本质基质蛋白1基因转录活性的变化和意义

目的:观察人牙髓干细胞(human dental pulp stem cell,HDPSC)经矿化液诱导后牙本质基质蛋白1(dentin matrix protein1,DMP1)的表达、细胞生物学变化以及对人DMP1基因启动子转录活性的影响。方法:通过建立体外培养的HDPSC体外矿化诱导模型,运用RT-PCR、组织染色等方法检测矿化诱导后细胞DMP1 mRNA表达、细胞形态和矿化能力的变化以及对两个DMP1基因启动子重组报告基因载体pGL3-P-193~ 86和pGL3-P-505~ 86活性的影响。结果:HDPSC经矿化液诱导后,能够向成牙本质细胞方向分化,出现成牙本质细胞样细胞表型。与对照组相比较,随着诱导时间的延长,细胞内碱性磷酸酶(ALP)活性增强,较早的出现了矿化结节,说明在诱导液作用后细胞矿化能力升高。诱导后的细胞出现了DMP1 mRNA表达水平增高,pGL3-P-193~ 86和pGL3-P-505~ 86活性均出现增强的趋势,尤其以pGL3-P-505~ 86活性增强更明显。结论:矿化液可诱导HDPSC向成牙本质细胞方向分化,诱导后的细胞矿化能力增强,DMP1表达和转录活性也随之增强,提示DMP1可能参与成牙本质细胞的分化过程。     

DLK1对人牙髓干细胞增殖和成牙本质分化的影响

目的研究DLK1在人牙髓干细胞(hDPSCs)增殖分化中的作用。方法用免疫组织化学分析法来检测小鼠上颌第一磨牙中DLK1的表达。构建重组慢病毒使DLK1在hDPSCs中稳定过表达,用CCK8法和Ed U核素渗入法分别检测hDPSCs的细胞活力和增殖;hDPSCs进行成牙本质细胞向分化诱导后,通过ALP活性分析、ALP和茜素红染色,以及ALP、DSPP、DMP1等矿化相关基因的表达,研究hDPSCs的成牙本质细胞向的分化。结果 DLK1在小鼠上颌第一磨牙的成牙本质细胞和牙髓细胞中高表达,而且正常hDPSCs在成牙本质细胞向分化诱导14 d后,ALP蛋白水平增长1.6倍,DSPP增长1.16倍,DMP1增长1.42倍,DLK1增长1.54倍。hDPSCs中过表达DLK1后,相比于对照组增加了1.7倍,显著促进了细胞增殖,却抑制了其成牙本质细胞向分化。结论 DLK1在牙齿发育中发挥重要作用,DLK1过表达促进hDPSCs的增殖,但抑制其成牙本质细胞向分化。     

核心结合因子α1在BMP-2调控细胞外基质蛋白表达中的作用

目的:探讨核心结合因子α1(cbfa1)在BMP-2调控体外培养的牙乳头细胞表达细胞外基质蛋白中的作用.方法:采用反义核酸技术,体外阻断培养的牙乳头细胞中cbfα1的表达,分别用RT-PCR、Western印迹等方法观察200ng/mL BMP-2作用6h后细胞中相关基质蛋白,碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、骨钙素(OC)、骨连蛋白(ON)、骨桥素(OPN)、骨涎蛋白(BSP)、牙本质基质蛋白1(DMP-1)以及牙本质涎磷蛋白(DSPP)的表达,采用SPSS 11.0软件包对数据进行方差分析.结果:外源性BMP-2能明显上调牙乳头细胞中ALP、OC含量以及OPN、BSP和ON的表达,当反义阻断cbfα1的表达时,ALP、OC、OPN和BSP的表达显著降低(P<0.01).结论:cbfα1参与了BMP-2调控体外培养的牙乳头细胞表达细胞外基质蛋白的信号转导过程.     

TNF-α影响鼠根尖乳头干细胞成骨/成牙本质能力的实验研究

目的研究肿瘤坏死因子-α(tumor necrosis factor-α,TNF-α)对鼠根尖乳头干细胞(stem cells from apical papilla,SCAP)增殖及成骨/成牙本质能力的影响。方法分离大鼠根尖乳头组织,采用酶消化法结合组织块法获得SCAP并通过免疫荧光法进行细胞鉴定;将细胞分为实验组(TNF-α浓度5、10、15、20、30、40、50μg/L)和对照组(TNF-α浓度0μg/L),CCK-8法检测细胞增殖能力;采用碱性磷酸酶活性、茜素红染色及实时定量PCR检测TNF-α对SCAP成骨/成牙本质能力的影响。结果体外培养SCAP符合间充质干细胞来源的特征且具有多向分化能力;细胞增殖能力结果显示:各浓度组均能促进SCAP增殖(P<0.05);ALP活性结果显示:各浓度TNF-α均能明显降低ALP活性(P<0.05);茜素红染色结果显示:随着TNF-α的浓度的增加,染色逐渐变浅,红色结节逐渐变小,形成数量逐渐减少;qRT-PCR结果显示:3 d时,实验组OC、DMP-1表达量明显降低(P<0.05),牙本质涎磷蛋白(DSPP)表达量降低(P>0.05),骨涎蛋白(BSP)表达量稍有增加(P<0.05)。7 d时,OC、DSPP表达量明显降低(P>0.05),DMP-1表达量明显降低(P<0.05),BSP表达量与对照组相比仍稍有增加(P>0.05);14 d时,BSP、OC、DMP-1表达量均明显降低(P<0.05),DSPP表达量稍有增加(P>0.05)。结论炎性因子TNF-α对SCAP的增殖有促进作用同时不同程度抑制SCAP成骨/成牙本质向分化能力。     

牙胚细胞条件培养液诱导大鼠胚胎面突外胚间充质细胞向成牙本质样细胞分化

目的：探讨牙胚细胞条件培养液（TGC—CM）在诱导面突外胚间充质细胞向成牙本质样细胞分化中的作用。方法：取妊娠12．5d SD大鼠胎鼠第4代下颌突外胚间充质细胞,在牙胚细胞条件培养液（TGC—CM）的诱导下,通过形态学观察、免疫组化、RT—PCR等方法,探索牙胚细胞条件培养液诱导面突外胚间充质细胞向成牙本质样细胞分化的可能。结果：面突外胚间充质细胞在诱导培养基中生长良好。培养7d,在诱导组中细胞出现核极化,有很长的突起,细胞平行排列。抗牙本质涎蛋白（DSP）呈阳性反应。RT—PCR显示mRNA水平表达成牙本质细胞特异的牙本质涎磷蛋白（DSPP）和牙本质基质蛋白-1（DMP-1）。结论：面突外胚间充质细胞在含有多种细胞因子的TGC—CM的作用下能分化为成牙本质样细胞,能为研究牙齿的分化和发育提供良好的模型和实验依据。     

Expression and distribution of SIBLING proteins in the predentin/dentin and mandible of hyp mice

Oral Diseases (2010) 16 , 453–464 Objectives: Human X‐linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) and its murine homologue, Hyp are caused by inactivating mutations in PHEX gene. The protein encoded by PHEX gene is an endopeptidase whose physiological substrate(s) has not been identified. Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), two members of the Small Integrin‐Binding LIgand, N‐linked Glycoprotein (SIBLING) family are proteolytically processed. It has been speculated that PHEX endopeptidase may be responsible for the proteolytic cleavage of DMP1 and DSPP. To test this hypothesis and to analyse the distribution of SIBLING proteins in the predentin/dentin complex and mandible of Hyp mice, we compared the expression of four SIBLING proteins, DMP1, DSPP, bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteopontin (OPN) between Hyp and wild‐type mice. Methods: These SIBLING proteins were analysed by protein chemistry and immunohistochemistry. Results: (1) Dentin matrix protein 1 and DSPP fragments are present in the extracts of Hyp predentin/dentin and bone; (2) the level of DMP1 proteoglycan form, BSP and OPN is elevated in the Hyp bone. Conclusions: The PHEX protein is not the enzyme responsible for the proteolytic processing of DMP1 and DSPP. The altered distribution of SIBLING proteins may be involved in the pathogenesis of bone and dentin defects in Hyp and XLH.     

Expression of SIBLINGs and their partner MMPs in salivary glands

Three members of the SIBLING family of integrin-binding phosphoglycoproteins (bone sialoprotein, BSP; osteopontin, OPN; and dentin matrix protein-1, DMP1) were recently shown to bind with high affinity (nM) and to activate 3 different matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9, respectively) in vitro. The current study was designed to document the possible biological relevance of the SIBLING-MMP activation pathway in vivo by showing that these 3 SIBLINGs and their known MMP partners are co-expressed in normal adult tissue. BSP, OPN, and DMP1 were invariably co-expressed with their partner MMPs in salivary glands of humans and mice. The 2 SIBLING proteins without known MMP partners, dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE), were also expressed in salivary glands. Expression of all SIBLINGs in this normal, non-mineralizing epithelial tissue suggests that they serve at least one function in vivo other than directly promoting matrix mineralization--a function we hypothesize involves local activation of MMPs.     

脂多糖对大鼠牙髓细胞ALP、BSP、DSPP表达的影响

目的:研究脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide,LPS)对大鼠牙髓细胞牙本质涎磷蛋白(dentin sialophosphoprotein,DSPP)、骨涎蛋白(bone sialoprotein,BSP)及碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase,ALP)表达的影响。方法:采用组织块法获得大鼠牙髓细胞,体外常规培养并进行鉴定,以含0.1、1、10、100和10000 ng/mL牙龈卟啉单胞菌(Porphyromonas gingivalis,P.g)的LPS作用牙髓细胞1、3、5 d,用实时定量PCR检测DSPP、ALP、BSP mRNA表达的变化,采用SPSS17.0软件包对数据进行统计学分析。结果:镜下贴壁后的细胞形态多样,多呈成纤维样细胞形态,还有部分多角形细胞,胞质突起。实时定量PCR结果显示,与对照组相比,1、10 ng/mL LPS组大鼠牙髓细胞DSPP、ALP、BSP的mRNA表达增高,100、10000 ng/mL LPS组DSPP、ALP、BSP的mRNA表达均降低;在1、3、5 d时,1、10、100和10000 ng/mL LPS组mRNA表达逐渐减少。0.1 ng/mL LPS对mRNA的表达无显著影响。3种因子呈现相似的表达变化趋势。结论:低剂量P.g LPS能促进牙髓细胞ALP、BSP、DSPP的表达,高剂量时则抑制ALP、BSP、DSPP的表达;随着培养时间的延长,促进作用逐渐减弱,抑制作用逐渐增强。     

Expression and processing of small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins in mouse odontoblastic cells

OBJECTIVE: Small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins (SIBLINGs) are expressed in dentin and believed to control dentinogenesis. Five members of SIBLING family include bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN), matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP). These genes are clustered on chromosome 4q in humans and share similar biological features. DSPP and DMP1 are processed into given structural/functional fragments in rat and porcine. It still remains unclear whether these evidences occur in mouse and other SIBLING members are also processed into given fragments from their parent precursors. The aim of this study was to identify expression and processing of the five proteins in two mouse odontoblastic cell lines. DESIGN: Two mouse odontoblastic cells were used to study expression and processing of the five SIBLING proteins by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses. RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry study showed that all of the five SIBLING members were expressed within the cytoplasm and cellular processes in the mouse odontoblastic cell lines. Expression levels of DMP1 and DSPP were higher in differentiated mouse odontoblasts than undifferentiated mouse odontoblasts. Immunolabelling signal of DSP and MEPE was also detected within the nucleus in the two cell lines. Western blot assay indicated that all five members were processed into at least two fragments in these cells. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that different processed products and expression levels of the SIBLING proteins may play distinct biological functions in tooth development and mineralisation.     

Refined mapping of the human dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) gene within the critical dentinogenesis imperfecta type II and dentin dysplasia type II loci

Dentinogenesis imperfecta type II and dentin dysplasia type II are diseases resulting in abnormal dentin formation, which have been mapped to overlapping regions of human chromosome 4q defined by markers D4S2691 and D4S2692 (6.6 cM) and D4S3291 and SPP1 (14.1 cM), respectively. Recently, two of the major non-collagenous proteins of dentin, dentin sialoprotein (DSP) and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP, phosphophoryn) have been shown to be encoded by a single gene, termed dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), which has been mapped to human chromosome 4. The purpose of this study was to perform refined mapping of DSPP related to these disease loci by gene content mapping, as well as to place the DSPP gene on the physical map of human chromosome 4 by sequence tagged site (STS) content mapping. Human genomic DSPP clones were isolated, and gene content mapping performed with specific primers for dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteopontin (secreted phosphoprotein 1, SPP1). STS content mapping was then performed with flanking STS markers to these dentin/bone gene loci. Our results demonstrate that the DSPP and DMP1 genes are within a maximum distance of 110 kb. Both DSPP and DMP-1 have been placed on the physical map of human chromosome 4 within the interval defined by markers D4S564 and D4S1292. DSPP is thereby strengthened as a candidate gene for both DGI-II and DD-II.     

Distribution of SIBLING proteins in the organic and inorganic phases of rat dentin and bone

The SIBLING protein family is a group of non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) that includes dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteopontin (OPN). In the present study, we compared these four proteins in different phases of rat dentin and bone. First, we extracted NCPs in the unmineralized matrices and cellular compartments using guanidium-HCl (G1). Second, we extracted NCPs closely associated with hydroxyapatite using an EDTA solution (E). Last, we extracted the remaining NCPs again with guanidium-HCl (G2). Each fraction of Q-Sepharose ion-exchange chromatography was analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE), Stains-All stain, and with western immunoblotting. In dentin, the NH₂-terminal fragment of DSPP and its proteoglycan form were primarily present in the G1 extract, whereas the COOH-terminal fragment of DSPP was present exclusively in the E extract. The processed NH₂-terminal fragment of DMP1 was present in G1 and E extracts, whereas the COOH-terminal fragment of DMP1 existed mainly in the E extract. Bone sialoprotein was present in all three extracts of dentin and bone, whereas OPN was present only in the G1 and E extracts of bone. The difference in the distribution of the SIBLING proteins between organic and inorganic phases supports the belief that these molecular species play different roles in dentinogenesis and osteogenesis.     

Distribution of Small Integrin-Binding LIgand,N-linked Glycoproteins (SIBLING) in the condylar cartilage of rat mandible

The Small Integrin-Binding LIgand, N-linked Glycoprotein (SIBLING) family is one category of non-collagenous proteins closely related to osteogenesis. In this study, the authors systematically evaluated the presence and distribution of four SIBLING family members, dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteopontin (OPN), in rat mandibular condylar cartilage using protein chemistry and immunohistochemistry. For protein chemistry, SIBLING proteins in the dissected condylar cartilage were extracted with 4 M guanidium–HCl, separated by ion-exchange chromatography, and analyzed by Western immunoblotting. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess the distribution of these four SIBLING proteins in the condylar cartilage of 2-, 5- and 8-week-old rats. Results from both approaches showed that all four members are expressed in the condylar cartilage. DSPP, unlike that observed in dentin and bone, exists as a full-length form (uncleaved) in the condylar cartilage. The NH₂-terminal fragment of DMP1 is mainly detected in the matrix of the cartilage while the COOH-terminal fragment is primarily localized in the nuclei of cells in the chondroblastic and hypertrophic layers. The data obtained in this investigation provide clues about the potential roles of these SIBLING proteins in chondrogenesis.     

白细胞介素1β对牙髓干细胞矿化潜能的影响

目的 通过体内、外实验探讨促炎性细胞因子白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)对牙髓干细胞(dental pulp stem cells,DPSC)矿化潜能的影响,以期了解IL-1β在早期炎症中对DPSC的作用.方法 体外培养大鼠DPSC,将DPSC分为3组,依次为IL-1β处理组、矿化液诱导组及未处理的阴性对照组,分别培养3、...     

Immunohistochemical study of small integrin-binding ligand, N-linked glycoproteins in reactionary dentin of rat molars at different ages

Small integrin-binding ligand, N-linked glycoproteins (SIBLING) are believed to play key roles in the process of biomineralization. Reactionary dentin (RD), formed by odontoblasts in response to external stimuli, differs morphologically from primary dentin (PD). To test our hypothesis that the microscopic changes reflect variations in molecular mechanisms involved in formation of the two forms of dentin, and to characterize RD further, we compared the distributions of four SIBLING proteins [bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin (OPN), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP-1) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP)] in naturally occurring RD with those in PD. Molars of rats aged 12, 18, 24 and 36 wk were analyzed using immunohistochemistry with antibodies against BSP, OPN, DMP-1, and dentin sialoprotein (a fragment of DSPP). Differences in the distribution of the four SIBLING proteins were evident. Bone sialoprotein, not seen in PD, was consistently observed in RD. Osteopontin, almost absent from PD, was clearly observed in RD. The expression levels of DMP-1 and DSP in RD were lower than in PD. Elevated expression of BSP and OPN, along with a marked decrease of dentin sialoprotein and DMP-1 in RD, suggests a difference in the mechanism of formation of the two forms of dentin.