Multifunctional ECM proteins in bone and teeth.
The extracellular matrix (ECM) of all tissues and organs is a highly organized and complex structure unique to the specific organ type. The ECM contains structural and functional proteins that define cellular function, organization, behavior and ultimately organ characteristics and function. The ECM was initially thought to contain only a specific set of secretory proteins. However, our group and several other groups have shown that the ECM contains functional proteins that have been previously defined as solely intracellular. In the present review, we have focused on the ECM of mineralized tissues namely bone and dentin. We provide here, a brief review of some non-classical ECM proteins that have been shown to possess both intra and extracellular roles in the formation of these mineralized matrices.
Brodie Tooth Development Genetics & Regenerative Medicine Research Laboratory, Department of Oral Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Il 60612, USA.
Sriram
S
Ravindran
Brodie Tooth Development Genetics & Regenerative Medicine Research Laboratory, Department of Oral Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Il 60612, USA. Electronic address: anneg@uic.edu.
Anne
A
George
D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D014070:Tooth / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*
D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins
Bone; Dentin; Extracellular Matrix (ECM); Mineralized tissues; Multifunctional proteins