Molecular Evolution and Genetic Defects of Teeth

The major mineralized tissues in vertebrates are cartilage, bone and teeth, the latter comprising three different mineralized tissues: dentin, enamel and cementum. There is growing evidence that genes encoding extracellular matrix proteins involved in the biomineralization of bone, dentin and enamel diverged from a common ancestor gene. This special issue of Cells Tissues Organs provides exciting and surprising insights into the evolution of vertebrate mineralized tissues and reviews the latest advances in understanding the etiologies of inherited dental malformations including familial tooth agenesis, supernumerary teeth, dentin dysplasia, dentinogenesis imperfecta, amelogenesis imperfecta, hypophosphatasia and taurodontism. These advances are central in understanding normal and pathological biomineralization and are important steps in discerning the molecular mechanisms underlying biomineralization in vertebrates. Therefore, this publication is recommended reading for scientists studying biomineralization as well as dentists and clinicians interested in understanding the causes of the dental phenotypes that might present in their practice.