Henry M. Goldman Distinguished Scientist Lab
The Henry M. Goldman Distinguished Scientist lab at the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine is well known for its pioneering work on human salivary proteins including proline-rich proteins and histatins, the application of this knowledge in salivary diagnostics, and the structure-function analysis of human acquired enamel pellicle.
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Human Acquired Enamel Pellicle (EP)Acquired enamel pellicle (EP) is a protein film resulting from the selective adsorption of proteins present in the oral cavity onto tooth surface. EP is responsible for the formation of a protective interface between the tooth surface and the oral environment and acts as a selective permeability barrier that regulates demineralization and remineralization processes. It also dictates the composition of initial microbial tooth colonizers. Other functions of EP include neutralization of acid produced by oral bacteria and acting as a lubrication film, thereby protecting the teeth from abrasive forces. |
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2-D Gel of Acquired Enamel Pellicle Proteins (pI 5-8)2-D gel studies have indicated that EP has a very complex protein patterns. At least 200 protein spots have been observed and their identifications have been initated (Yao et al., J. Biol. Chem., 2003). |
Project of Human Acquired Enamel Pellicle Proteomics
Our pellicle research efforts focus on the characterization in structural and functional terms of the components which constitute the acquired enamel pellicle. More specifically, pellicle research in the Henry M. Goldman Distinguished Scientist lab is focused on the identification and characterization of in vivo formed acquired enamel pellicle components by proteomic approaches using MudPIT, 2-D PAGE, and various chromatographic separations. The overall goal of our efforts is to elucidate the biology of pellicle and to generate results which may lead to therapeutic means for the protection of host tissues and prevention of oral diseases.