Original Paper

Possible Association of Amelogenin to High Caries Experience in a Guatemalan-Mayan Population
K. Deeley^a, A. Letra^a, E.K. Rose^a, C.A. Brandon^a, J.M. Resick^a, M.L. Marazita^{a, c-e}, A.R. Vieira^a-d

Departments of
^aOral Biology and
^bPediatric Dentistry, and
^cCenter for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, School of Dental Medicine,
^dDepartment of Human Genetics, Graduate School of Public Health, and
^eDepartment of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Caries Res 2008;42:8-13 (DOI: 10.1159/000111744)

  Key Words

• Ameloblastin (AMBN)
• Amelogenin (AMELX)
• Enamelin (ENAM)
• Tuftelin-1 (TUFT1)
• Tuftelin interacting protein 11 (TFIP11)

  Abstract

There is evidence for a genetic component in caries susceptibility, but the disease is greatly influenced by environmental factors, which are extremely difficult to control in humans. For the present study, we used DNA samples collected from 110 unrelated, non-cleft individuals older than 12 years of age from Tiquisate, Guatemala: a population with similar cultural, dietary and hygiene habits, similar access to the dentist and fluoride exposure. Forty-four individuals were designated 'very low caries experience' (DMFT 2), and 66 were designated 'higher caries experience' (DMFT 3). Single-nucleotide polymorphism markers were genotyped in selected candidate genes (ameloblastin, amelogenin, enamelin, tuftelin-1, and tuftelin interacting protein 11) that influence enamel formation. Having at least one copy of the rare amelogenin marker allele was associated with increased age-adjusted caries experience. This association was stronger in individuals with higher DMFT (DMFT 20; p = 0.0000001). Our results suggest that variation in amelogenin may contribute to caries susceptibility in the population studied. The approach of comparing individuals with extremely distinct caries experiences could be valuable for decreasing the potential influence of environmental factors on genetic studies of caries.

Copyright © 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Alexandre R. Vieira
614 Salk Hall, Department of Oral Biology
School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh
3501 Terrace Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261 (USA)
Tel. +1 412 383 8972, Fax +1 412 624 3080, E-Mail arv11@dental.pitt.edu

  Article Information

Received: February 19, 2007
Accepted after revision: August 20, 2007
Published online: November 27, 2007
Number of Print Pages : 6
Number of Figures : 2, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 23