Glycolipids Regulate Ameloblast Differentiation

Tooth development is regulated by sequential and reciprocal interaction between the oral ectoderm and mesenchyme. Glycolipids regulate the signaling of growth factor receptor and cell adhesion to extracellular matrix; however, the role of glycolipids in ameloblast differentiation is scarcely understood. GD3 synthase is a glycolipid synthase. The GD3 synthase gene was highly expressed during the embryonic stage of dental epithelium, but not in dental mesenchyme. Dental epithelium transiently transfected with the GD3 synthase gene was shown to enhance its proliferation and inhibit enamel matrix expression. These results may indicate regulatory roles of glycolipids in cell proliferation and the differentiation of ameloblasts.