Bone morphogenetic protein-2 gene controls tooth root development in coordination with formation of the periodontium

Abstract

An important protein involved in tooth development also plays a critical role in the formation of the surrounding dental tissues and the tooth-root. To investigate the role of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) in the development of structures that support teeth, a team led by Stephen Harris at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, USA, deleted the Bmp2 gene in a mouse model. They observed major defects in tooth-root formation, as well as in the establishment of cementum, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone — all part of supporting structures that surround tooth-roots. BMP2 is also involved in the proper development of teeth themselves. As such, the findings shed light on one key developmental pathway shared by cells across the dental tissue spectrum.

Keywords

Bmp2 gene / cementum / dentinogenesis / periodontium development / root formation

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