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Enamelin Function — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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HardPhysiologyEnamelin FunctionMFDS Part 1

During secretory amelogenesis, which function is most specifically attributable to enamelin rather than to amelogenin, ameloblastin, MMP20 or KLK4?

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Correct answer: C — Support enamel crystal formation and the development of normal prism ultrastructure at the mineralisation front

Enamelin is a low-abundance non-amelogenin matrix protein associated with the secretory mineralisation front. It is essential for normal enamel crystal formation and subsequent prism ultrastructure; loss or inappropriate expression of enamelin produces absent or severely disorganised enamel. Amelogenin is the predominant matrix protein and contributes particularly to regulation of crystal morphology and lateral growth, making B a plausible but different function. Ameloblastin supports ameloblast adhesion and differentiation, as described in C. MMP20 processes enamel matrix proteins during the secretory stage, whereas KLK4 removes residual matrix during maturation; these correspond to D and E respectively.

Reference: Hu JC-C et al. Enamelin is critical for ameloblast integrity and enamel ultrastructure formation. PLoS One. 2014;9(3):e89303. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24603688/