Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) (DSPP)

Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) is a large, chimeric precursor protein belonging to the SIBLING (Small Integrin-Binding Ligand, N-linked Glycoprotein) family, primarily expressed by odontoblasts during tooth development (PMC3576053, Wikipedia). It is essential for the biomineralization of dentin, where it is proteolytically cleaved into three active fragments: dentin sialoprotein (DSP), dentin glycoprotein (DGP), and dentin phosphoprotein (DPP) (PMC3372502, PMC4100609). These fragments work in concert to regulate the nucleation and growth of hydroxyapatite crystals, converting predentin into mineralized dentin (PMC3421774). Mutations in the DSPP gene are the underlying cause of hereditary dental disorders such as dentinogenesis imperfecta and dentin dysplasia, leading to severely weakened tooth structures and premature tooth loss (PMC3576053). In the field of regenerative dentistry, DSPP serves as a critical therapeutic target; bioactive materials like Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) and experimental small molecules such as GSK3 inhibitors are utilized to stimulate its expression and induce reparative dentin formation (PMC7464817, PMC5510624). Consequently, DSPP is regarded as a primary biomarker for odontoblast differentiation and a focal point for developing dental tissue engineering strategies (PMC5510624, PMC4131557).

Other names

Dentin phosphophorynDentin sialoproteinDentin phosphoproteinDentin glycoproteinDPPDSPDGPDFNA39DGI1

Stimulation of odontoblast differentiation and promotion of DSPP-mediated hydroxyapatite crystal nucleation and growth for reparative dentinogenesis.