On the Physical Role of Amelogenin in the Biomineralisation of Tooth Enamel

Vertebrate tooth enamel and enameloid is a secretory product of ameloblast cells which are of epithelial origin. These cells first produce an organic matrix (amelogenin) on the outermost surface of the dentine, in intimate association with the mineral and collagen fibres which are oriented perpendicular to that surface. Growth of hydroxyapatite crystals into the newly secreted organic matrix from this collagenous boundary quickly follows, thus establishing the position of the enamel/dentine junction.