This amino acid is called proline, and it is repeated in the centre of proteins found in tooth enamel. When the repeats are long, such as in humans, they contract groups of molecules that help enamel crystals grow. When the repeats are short, such as in frogs, teeth don't have the enamel prisms that provide strength, the researchers explained.

'We hope that one day, these findings will help people replace lost parts of the tooth with a healthy layer of new enamel,' said Tom Diekwisch, the lead researcher professor and head of oral biology at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry. But this finding may also give benefits beyond the teeth.

Diekwisch added, 'Proline repeats are amazing. They hold the key to understanding the structure and function of many natural proteins, including mucins, antifreeze proteins, Alzheimer's amyloid and prion proteins. We hope that our findings will help many other important areas of scientific research, including the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.'


Source: New findings may aid engineering of tooth enamel