AMBN

Ameloblastin (enamel matrix protein) is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the AMBN is_associated_with::gene.

Function
Ameloblastin, also known as amelin, is a gene-specific protein found in is_associated_with::tooth enamel. Although less than 5% of enamel consists of protein, ameloblastins comprise 5%-10% of all enamel protein. This protein is formed by is_associated_with::ameloblasts during the early secretory to late maturation stages of is_associated_with::amelogenesis. Although not completely understood, the function of ameloblastins is believed to be in controlling the elongation of enamel crystals and generally directing enamel mineralization during is_associated_with::tooth development.

Other significant proteins in enamel are is_associated_with::amelogenins, is_associated_with::enamelins, and is_associated_with::tuftelins.

This gene encodes the nonamelogenin enamel matrix protein ameloblastin. The encoded protein may be important in enamel matrix formation and mineralization. This gene is located in the calcium-binding phosphoprotein gene cluster on chromosome 4. Mutations in this gene may be associated with dentinogenesis imperfect and autosomal dominant amylogenesis imperfect. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2011].

Clinical aspect
Mutations in AMBN cause amelogenesis imperfecta.