Calcium is a key regulator of a broad range of biological functions and is also a key element in the composition of dental enamel. During the maturation stage of amelogenesis, Ca2+ requirements increase as enamel crystals expand in width and thickness. Calcium must reach the forming enamel layer but how this process is regulated in ameloblasts is poorly understood. The current model for Ca2+ transport in enamel focuses on the transcellular passage of Ca2+ via the entry, transit and extrusion steps. Whereas several works have reported on the transit and extrusion steps, only limited information is available for Ca2+ entry mechanisms into ameloblasts. In this grant proposal, I focus on the entry step by examining the role of the store-operated Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channels. CRAC channels comprise important Ca2+ influx mechanism in epithelial cells. Patients with mutations to CRAC channels (STIM1, ORAI1) present, in addition to immune system deficiencies, with hypocalcified amelogenesis imperfecta. My goal is to identify how Stim1 and Orai1 are involved in Ca2+ entry and how this process is regulated. Recent work by the PI indicates that Stim1, Orai1 as well as well as the Ca2+ signaling cholecystokinin (Cck) and the Cck inhibitor Rcan1 were identified as being significantly up-regulated in maturation. I have confirmed these results by qPCR, Western blot and IHC. Thus Ca2+ influx into ameloblasts via CRAC channels and how this process is regulated is important for the development of healthy enamel. Evidence contributed by the proposed grant application will help to better understand the systemic effects of CRAC function abrogation. This will also help medical practitioners in making decisions concerning dentist visits to patients with mutations to CRAC channels in order to prevent dental problems
Calcium is critical for the normal biomineralization of enamel. Disruptions to calcium uptake by ameloblasts results in amelogenesis imperfecta. My goal is to analyze the function of calcium-store operated channels in enamel development.
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| Lacruz, Rodrigo S (2017) Enamel: Molecular identity of its transepithelial ion transport system. Cell Calcium 65:1-7 |
| Concepcion, Axel R; Vaeth, Martin; Wagner 2nd, Larry E et al. (2016) Store-operated Ca2+ entry regulates Ca2+-activated chloride channels and eccrine sweat gland function. J Clin Invest 126:4303-4318 |
| Lacruz, Rodrigo S; Bromage, Timothy G; O'Higgins, Paul et al. (2015) Ontogeny of the maxilla in Neanderthals and their ancestors. Nat Commun 6:8996 |
| Nurbaeva, M K; Eckstein, M; Snead, M L et al. (2015) Store-operated Ca2+ Entry Modulates the Expression of Enamel Genes. J Dent Res 94:1471-7 |
| Lacruz, Rodrigo S; Feske, Stefan (2015) Diseases caused by mutations in ORAI1 and STIM1. Ann N Y Acad Sci 1356:45-79 |
| Lacruz, Rodrigo S; Bromage, Timothy G; O'Higgins, Paul et al. (2015) Distinct growth of the nasomaxillary complex in Au. sediba. Sci Rep 5:15175 |
| Wen, Xin; Lacruz, Rodrigo S; Smith, Charles E et al. (2014) Gene-expression profile and localization of Na+/K(+)-ATPase in rat enamel organ cells. Eur J Oral Sci 122:21-6 |
| Lacruz, Rodrigo S; de Castro, José María Bermúdez; Martinón-Torres, María et al. (2013) Facial morphogenesis of the earliest europeans. PLoS One 8:e65199 |
| Lacruz, R S; Smith, C E; Kurtz, I et al. (2013) New paradigms on the transport functions of maturation-stage ameloblasts. J Dent Res 92:122-9 |
