Characterisation of proteins involved in biomineralisation processes

该项目涉及与钙和磷酸盐相关的两种蛋白质的研究。磷酸蛋白存在于牙齿中，并负责牙齿中牙本质的发育。骨桥蛋白是一种多功能蛋白质，存在于多种组织以及骨骼和乳汁中。它在骨和乳汁中的功能尚不清楚，尽管它被认为参与骨重塑。该项目涉及这两种蛋白质的表征及其与磷酸钙矿物质的相互作用，使用各种技术。其结果将是对自然界用于设计牙齿和骨骼的设计原理的更好理解。这对开发具有良好生物相容性的磷灰石基牙、骨生物材料具有重要意义。

This project involves the study of two proteins that associate with calcium and phosphate. Phosphophoryn is found in teeth and is responsible for the development of dentine in teeth. Osteopontin is a multi-functional protein found in a variety of tissues as well as in bone and in milk. Its functions in bone and milk are unknown although it is believed to be involved in bone remodelling. This project involves characterisation of these two proteins and their interactions with calcium phosphate mineral using a variety of techniques. The outcome will be an improved understanding of the design principles used by nature to engineer teeth and bone. The significance is the potential development of biocompatible apatite-based biomaterials for both tooth and bone.