The
biological functions of
ion channels in tooth development vary according to the nature of their gating, the species of
ions passing through those gates, the number of gates, localization of channels, tissue expressing the channel, and interactions between cells and microenvironment.
Ion channels feature unique and specific ion flux in ameloblasts, odontoblasts, and other tooth-specific cell lineages. Both enamel and dentin have active chemical systems orchestrating a variety of ion exchanges and demineralization and remineralization processes in a stage-dependent manner. An important role for
ion channels is to regulate and maintain the
calcium and pH homeostasis that are critical for proper enamel and dentin biomineralization. Specific functions of
chloride channels, TRPVs,
calcium channels,
potassium channels, and solute carrier superfamily members in tooth formation have been gradually clarified in recent years. Mutations in these
ion channels or transporters often result in disastrous changes in tooth development. The
channelopathies of tooth include altered eruption (CLCN7, KCNJ2, TRPV3), root dysplasia (CLCN7, KCNJ2),
amelogenesis imperfecta (KCNJ1, CFTR, AE2, CACNA1C, GJA1),
dentin dysplasia (CLCN5), small teeth (CACNA1C, GJA1), tooth agenesis (CLCN7), and other impairments. The mechanisms leading to tooth
channelopathies are primarily related to pH regulation,
calcium homeostasis, or other alterations of the niche for tooth eruption and development.