Epigenetic Control of Gene Function in Enamel Development

Amelogenesis consists of various development phases that are tightly controlled by the exquisitely sequential and reciprocal interactions between tooth epithelium and mesenchyme. Subtle alterations during this complex physiological and biochemical development events could lead to severe enamel defects in shape, color and structure. Modulations in microRNA, DNA methylation and chromatin modifications are emerging as important regulatory mechanisms during tooth development. The growing field of epigenetic regulations in enamel development provides excellent opportunities to identify novel enamel-related disease makers and to explore the potential therapeutic methods. The present review will give an overview in the current research progress in epigenetic regulation events during tooth development with a highlight in the aspects of enamel formation. Keywords: Amelogenesis, epigenetics, regeneration, stem cells, tooth development.