TGF‐beta1 and TGFBR1 are Expressed in Ameloblasts and Promote MMP20 Expression

Transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐beta) signaling exerts a wide spectrum of biological functions. To investigate TGF‐beta signaling in amelogenesis, we initially assessed the expression of TGF‐beta1 and TGF‐beta receptor 1 (TGFBR1) in developing teeth by immunohistochemistry. Both TGF‐beta1 and TGFBR1 were strongly expressed in secreting ameloblasts. Next, we studied the effects of TGF‐beta signaling on the expression of MMP20 and KLK4 mRNA using ameloblast‐lineage cells (ALC) in vitro. Our RT‐PCR study showed that TGF‐beta1, TGFBR1, and enamel matrix proteases (MMP20 and KLK4) were expressed in ALC. Following TGF‐beta1 treatment, the expression of MMP20 mRNA, but not KLK4 mRNA, was significantly upregulated. To further confirm the TGF‐beta signaling involvement in the MMP20 expression, we constructed the activated TGFBR1 vector and transfected the construct into ALC. The activated TGFBR1 notably promoted MMP20 expression, but had no obvious effects on the KLK4 mRNA expression. Our studies strongly suggest that TGF‐beta signaling involved in amelogenesis is partially mediated by regulating the expression of MMP20 mRNA. Anat Rec, 292:885–890, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.