Table 1.
The function of transcription factors and chromatin regulators in enamel organ and their potential role in dental stem cells. The localization of these factors is also shown.
| Regulator | Function in Enamel Organ | Localization | Potential Role in DESC | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transcription factor | ||||
| AmeloD | enamel formation | IEE | ameloblast differentiation | [59,61] |
| Epfn/Sp6 | enamel formation | IEE, ameloblast | IEE differentiation/proliferation | [64,65] |
| Foxi3 | molar crown patterning | DE, DESC | epithelial differentiation | [49] |
| Lef1 | early development | DE | dental epithelial cell fate | [22,48] |
| Msx2 | ectodermal development | DE, ameloblast | differentiation of ameloblast and SI | [78,80] |
| Nkx2-3 | cusp formation/early development | DE | p21 expression and EDA signaling | [52] |
| Pitx2 | pattern formation/differentiation | DE | ameloblast lineage | [45,46] |
| Runx2 | early development | DE, ameloblast | ameloblast differentiation | [69,71] |
| Sox2 | stem cell maintenance | DESC | maintainance of stemness | [53] |
| Sox21 | enamel mineralization | IEE, ameloblast | dental epithelial cell fate decision | [75] |
| Tbx1 | early development | DE | proliferation and differentiation | [55] |
| Chromatin regulator | ||||
| Med1 | enamel mineralization | DESC, SI | dental epithelial cell fate decision | [20,21] |
| Satb1 | enamel mineralization | preameloblast | ameloblast lineage | [40,63] |
DESC dental epithelial stem cells, DE dental epithelial signaling center in early development, IEE: inner enamel epithelia, SI statum intermedium.