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The mammalian periodontium is a unique support structure that anchors teeth in the jaw bone by providing form attachment and resilient responsiveness to pressures. Much of the resilient properties of the periodontium are facilitated by a non-mineralized periodontial ligament (PDL) that connects the root surface with the alveolar bone. Our recently generated K14 promoter-driven, AMBN overexpressing transgenic mouse model featured a robust periodontial phenotype with changes in root cememtum surface structure, cervical alveolar bone height, periodontal ligament width, and altered enamel structure compared to wild-type controls. These findings are supported by clinical studies that have shown a positive effect of enamel matrix derivates (EMD) on the precention of ankylosis and by ameloblastin and amelogenin gene knockout models dislaying evidence of PDL hypercalcification. Together, these preliminary studies provide the basis for a research plan in which we will address the question whether AMBN is a unique HERS product involved in periodontal development and mineral homeostasis. |
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