Grant: Operating Grant

The junctional epithelium is the portion of the gingiva that binds to the tooth surface. This specialized structure is important because it seals off the tissues supporting the tooth from the aggressive oral environment, and represents the first line of defence against periodontal diseases. A large segment of the adult population (~ 80%) is affected some forms of this disease and severe manifestation can lead to tooth loss in ~ 20% of cases; and jaw bone loss which complicates prosthodontic rehabilitation. Periodontal diseases have also been associated with systemic afflictions such as cardiovascular disease. By screening the genes encoding for proteins produced in teeth, we have unexpectedly identified a novel protein associated with the attachment of the gingiva to the tooth. We have also obtained initial data showing that absence of the protein replicates what happens in the human disease. We now propose to carry out a series of state-of-the-art molecular and functional analyses aimed at understanding the role of this protein. The information derived from these studies is expected to contribute to the understanding of how the gingiva attaches and holds onto teeth, and to the development of effective therapies for the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. This protein is also of interest since it is highly expressed in certain cancers and could therefore have diagnostic applications.