Characterisation of proteins involved in biomineralisation processes

该项目涉及两种与钙和磷相关的蛋白质的研究。磷酸盐存在于牙齿中，对牙齿中牙本质的形成起着重要作用。骨桥蛋白是一种多功能蛋白质，存在于各种组织以及骨骼和牛奶中。尽管它被认为与骨骼重塑有关，但它在骨骼和牛奶中的功能尚不清楚。该项目包括使用各种技术对这两种蛋白质及其与磷酸钙矿物的相互作用进行表征。其结果将是对大自然用来设计牙齿和骨骼的设计原则的更好理解。其意义在于牙骨生物相容性磷灰石基生物材料的潜在发展。

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.