AMTN Human

Amelotin has experienced distinct evolutionary histories across different species. In rodents, AMTN is expressed during the maturation stage of amelogenesis, which is the process of enamel formation . This expression pattern is different from other enamel matrix proteins (EMPs) like amelogenin, ameloblastin, and enamelin . In non-mammalian tetrapods, AMTN is expressed throughout amelogenesis . The gene structure and expression pattern of AMTN have evolved, particularly in mammals, leading to changes in its function .

AMTN is primarily expressed in maturation-stage ameloblasts, which are cells responsible for enamel formation . It is localized at the cell-mineral interface on the surface enamel layer . In addition to its role in enamel formation, AMTN is also found in the internal basal lamina of junctional epithelium, a unique epithelial structure attached to the tooth surface that protects against microbiological challenges .

Recombinant human amelotin is produced using DNA sequences encoding the human AMTN protein. This recombinant protein is expressed in HEK293 cells and is often tagged with the Fc region of mouse IgG1 for purification purposes . The recombinant protein has a predicted molecular mass of 46.2 kDa and is used in various research applications to study its function and role in enamel formation .

Research on amelotin has shown that it plays a significant role in the biomineralization process during enamel maturation . Studies have also indicated that AMTN gene transcription can be stimulated by factors like TNF-α and TGFβ1, which are involved in inflammatory and apoptotic processes . Understanding the function and regulation of AMTN can provide insights into the mechanisms of enamel formation and potential therapeutic applications for dental health.