Detection of proteins in biological apatite crystals by Atom Probe Tomography
EMSL Project ID
48699
Abstract
This research supports the BER mission in understanding the biomineralization processes in general and studying the function of organic matrix components in these processes in particular. Dental enamel formation involves cellular and molecular mechanisms, such as secretion of proteins and enzymes, assembly of a protein-based matrix, and mineralization via disordered precursor phases and proteinmineral interactions, that are common amongst many biomineralization systems. We will perform qualitative and quantitative analyses of proteins trapped inside enamel crystals isolated from developing teeth during various stages of amelogenesis in: wild type mouse, and matrixmetalloproteinase (MMP-20) knockout mice by Atom Probe Tomography (APT), following our investigation by UV-adsorption (nanodrop), SDS-PAGE, Western blot and Mass-Spectroscopy. We hypothesize that full length amelogenin will be found trapped in enamel crystals of MMP-20 null mouse which affects its nucleation, growth and organization.
Project Details
Start Date
2014-12-11
End Date
2015-09-30
Status
Closed
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