Changes in amino acid composition and protein distribution during development of human deciduous enamel.

The present study is concerned with the detailed changes in protein composition and protein distribution occurring during enamel development in the human deciduous tooth from early formation till maturation. It demonstrates that enamel development in the human tooth occurs in at least three distinct stages, forming, maturing and mature, which are generally similar to those previously identified and characterized in animal teeth. The changes in amino-acid composition and protein distribution reflect the existence of two classes of proteins, termed amelogenins and enamelins. The results show that the proportions of these two classes of enamel proteins and their constituents vary with the maturity of enamel.