Temperospatial expression of matrix metalloproteinases 1, 2, 3, and 9 during early tooth development.
Odontogenesis involves a complex series of processes including epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, morphogenesis, differentiation, fibrillogenesis, and mineralization. Extracellular (ECM) remodeling plays a critical role in the rapid morphological changes that accompany these events. It is proposed that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) participate in the remodeling of tooth-specific matrices that accompanies the developmental events. MMPs are zinc-requiring endopeptidases that are centrally involved in the controlled turnover of ECM components and are key to a varied range of developmental processes. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the expression of MMPs 1, 2, 3, and 9 within the developing tooth germ of Wistar rats, using immunohistochemical localisation. During the bud stage, MMPs 1, 2, 3, and 9 were expressed within both epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Later on, during the cap stage, differential expression was observed; of note was the expression of MMP 3 within the enamel knot. This study reports the temperospatial expression of MMPs 1, 2, 3, and 9 during early tooth development, and points to them having a key role during this important developmental period.
Randall
L E
LE
Department of Basic Dental Science, University of Wales College of Medicine, Dental School, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF4 4XY, United Kingdom.
Hall
R C
RC
D000818:Animals; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3 / Q000378:metabolism*; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / Q000378:metabolism*; D009805:Odontogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats / Q000196:embryology; D013997:Time Factors; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014070:Tooth / Q000201:enzymology*
D019278:Matrix Metalloproteinase 3; D020778:Matrix Metalloproteinase 2; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; D020781:Matrix Metalloproteinase 1