Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify alterations in amelogenin gene that are associated with dental caries susceptibility and to develop a non-invasive early screening test for caries risk.
Study design: 60 individuals were selected for the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were divided into two groups based on DMFT score. DMFT was scored according to World Health Organization guidelines. Saliva obtained from all participants was stored in Indogenix DNA Self-Collection kits at 4°C. DNA was extracted according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once the entire DNA was isolated from each sample it was put forward for PCR amplification. The amplified amelogenin gene was then run on 2% agarose gel stained with ethidium bromide. The amplified gene was processed by SSCP technique to find out the altered bands and then subjected to DNA sequencing for identification of alterations in the amino acid sequence of amelogenin gene.
Results: The sequencing data showed the presence of mutation. Samples showing mutation (43.3%) showed high correlation with caries (80.7%) experience which was statistically significant.
Conclusion: Understanding the genetics of dental caries susceptibility will provide new insights into the caries process in individuals and will facilitate the development of targeted preventive strategies.
Keywords: Amelogenin; Dental caries; Enamel; Genetics; Mutation.