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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

Team

Principal Investigator

Janet Moradian-Oldak
Institution
University of Southern California

Co-Investigator(s)

James De Yoreo
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Team Members

Lyle Gordon
Institution
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory

Jinhui Tao
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory