
Associate Professor
Department of Orofacial Sciences
D_OFS
Dr. Nakano’s research explores the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control the formation and mineralization of bone, dentin, and enamel. Her work includes the regulation of phosphatases in bone mineralization, the differentiation of odontoblasts during dentin development, and how enamel formation is influenced by alternative splicing and splicing-derived microRNAs. By revealing how genetic mutations, alternative splicing, extracellular matrix proteins, signaling molecules, ion channels, microRNAs, and environmental factors affect craniofacial mineralization, her studies identify key mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for inherited and acquired defects in mineralized tissues.
Publications
Mutations Causing X-Linked Amelogenesis Imperfecta Alter miRNA Formation from Amelogenin Exon4.
Journal of dental research
Effects of Early Life Adversity on Tooth Enamel Formation.
Frontiers in dental medicine
An miRNA derived from amelogenin exon4 regulates expression of transcription factor Runx2 by directly targeting upstream activators Nfia and Prkch.
The Journal of biological chemistry
WDR72 regulates vesicle trafficking in ameloblasts.
Scientific reports
Fluoride Alters Signaling Pathways Associated with the Initiation of Dentin Mineralization in Enamel Fluorosis Susceptible Mice.
Biological trace element research
Fluoride related changes in behavioral outcomes may relate to increased serotonin.
Physiology & behavior
Fluoride Alters Klk4 Expression in Maturation Ameloblasts through Androgen and Progesterone Receptor Signaling.
Frontiers in physiology
A Critical Role of TRPM7 As an Ion Channel Protein in Mediating the Mineralization of the Craniofacial Hard Tissues.
Frontiers in physiology
Amelogenin Exon4 Forms a Novel miRNA That Directs Ameloblast and Osteoblast Differentiation.
Journal of dental research
Exon4 amelogenin transcripts in enamel biomineralization.
Journal of dental research
WDR72 models of structure and function: a stage-specific regulator of enamel mineralization.
Matrix biology : journal of the International Society for Matrix Biology
Leucine rich amelogenin peptide alters ameloblast differentiation in vivo.
Matrix biology : journal of the International Society for Matrix Biology
Comparative temporospatial expression profiling of murine amelotin protein during amelogenesis.
Cells, tissues, organs
Enzyme replacement therapy prevents dental defects in a model of hypophosphatasia.
Journal of dental research
Regulation of ATPase activity of transglutaminase 2 by MT1-MMP: implications for mineralization of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultures.
Journal of cellular physiology
MEPE-ASARM peptides control extracellular matrix mineralization by binding to hydroxyapatite: an inhibition regulated by PHEX cleavage of ASARM.
Journal of bone and mineral research : the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Size distribution and molecular associations of plasma fibronectin and fibronectin crosslinked by transglutaminase 2.
The protein journal
Expression of bone type 1 PTH receptor in rats with chronic renal failure.
Clinical and experimental nephrology
Expression and localization of plasma transglutaminase factor XIIIA in bone.
The journal of histochemistry and cytochemistry : official journal of the Histochemistry Society
Formation of acellular cementum-like layers, with and without extrinsic fiber insertion, along inert bone surfaces of aging c-Src gene knockout mice.
European journal of oral sciences
The existence of CD11c+ sentinel and F4/80+ interstitial dendritic cells in dental pulp and their dynamics and functional properties.
International immunology
Proteolysis on maturing enamel surface, as shown by gel-coating methods.
European journal of oral sciences
Transglutaminase activity regulates osteoblast differentiation and matrix mineralization in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cultures.
Matrix biology : journal of the International Society for Matrix Biology
Eccentric localization of osteocytes expressing enzymatic activities, protein, and mRNA signals for type 5 tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP).
The journal of histochemistry and cytochemistry : official journal of the Histochemistry Society
The induction of enamel and dentin complexes by subcutaneous implantation of reconstructed human and murine tooth germ elements.
Archives of histology and cytology
Alkaline and acid phosphatases in bone cells serve as phosphohydrolases at physiological pH in vivo: a histochemical implication.
Connective tissue research
Possible role of dentin matrix in region-specific deposition of cellular and acellular extrinsic fibre cementum.
Journal of electron microscopy