AMELX Mutations and Genotype-Phenotype Correlation in X-Linked Amelogenesis Imperfecta.

AMELX mutations cause X-linked amelogenesis imperfecta (AI), known as AI types IE, IIB, and IIC in Witkop's classification, characterized by hypoplastic (reduced thickness) and/or hypomaturation (reduced hardness) enamel defects. In this study, we conducted whole exome analyses to unravel the disease-causing mutations for six AI families. Splicing assays, immunoblotting, and quantitative RT-PCR were conducted to investigate the molecular and cellular effects of the mutations. Four AMELX pathogenic variants (NM_182680.1:c.2T>C; c.29T>C; c.77del; c.145-1G>A) and a whole gene deletion (NG_012494.2:g.307534_403773del) were identified. The affected individuals exhibited enamel malformations, ranging from thin, poorly mineralized enamel with a "snow-capped" appearance to severe hypoplastic defects with minimal enamel. The c.145-1G>A mutation caused a -1 frameshift (NP_001133.1:p.Val35Cysfs*5). Overexpression of c.2T>C and c.29T>C AMELX demonstrated that mutant amelogenin proteins failed to be secreted, causing elevated endoplasmic reticulum stress and potential cell apoptosis. This study reveals a genotype-phenotype relationship for AMELX-associated AI: While amorphic mutations, including large deletions and 5' truncations, of AMELX cause hypoplastic-hypomaturation enamel with snow-capped teeth (AI types IIB and IIC) due to a complete loss of gene function, neomorphic variants, including signal peptide defects and 3' truncations, lead to severe hypoplastic/aplastic enamel (AI type IE) probably caused by "toxic" cellular effects of the mutant proteins.

Treatment considerations for patient with amelogenesis imperfecta: a review / Considerações de tratamento para pacientes com amelogênese imperfeita: revisão de literatura

Objectives: Amelogenesis imperfecta (AI) is a group of inherited disorders primary affecting the structural of enamel. Patients with AI experience poor esthetic, excessive tooth sensitivity and compromised chewing function that dental treatments are frequently required at early age. This review describes the nonenamel implications, stage-specific management strategies and outcomes of selected restorative materials based on literature evidence

Objetivos: Amelogênese imperfeita (AI) é um grupo de desordens hereditárias que afetam primariamente a estrutura do esmalte dentário. Pacientes com AI apresentam estética pobre, sensibilidade dentária excessiva e função mastigatória comprometida. Nestes casos, os tratamentos dentários em idades precoces são frequentemente necessários. Esta revisão descreve as implicações não relacionadas com o esmalte dentário, as estratégias de atuação em idades específicas e ainda os resultados de tratamentos restauradores com determinados materiais e baseados em evidência científica.