Ultrastructural Analyses of Deciduous Teeth Affected by Hypocalcified Amelogenesis Imperfecta from a Family with a Novel Y458X FAM83H Nonsense Mutation

Background: Nonsense mutations in FAM83H are a recently described underlying cause of autosomal dominant (AD) hypocalcified amelogenesis imperfecta (AI). Objective: This study aims to report a novel c. 1374C > A p.Y458X nonsense mutation and describe the associated ultrastructural phenotype of deciduous teeth. Methods: A family of European origin from the Iberian Peninsula with AD-inherited AI was ascertained. Family members were assessed through clinical examination and supporting investigations. Naturally exfoliated deciduous teeth from 2 siblings were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and transverse microradiography (TMR). Results: On clinical and radiographic investigation the appearances of the affected deciduous and permanent teeth were consistent with hypocalcified AI with small focal areas of more normal looking enamel. DNA sequencing identified a novel c.1374C > A p.Y458X FAM83H nonsense mutation in affected, but not in either unaffected family members or unrelated controls. Exfoliated teeth were characterised by substantial post-eruptive enamel loss on gross examination. Irregular, poor quality enamel prisms were observed on SEM. These were coated in amorphous material. TMR and EDX confirmed reduced mineral and increased organic content in enamel, respectively. Conclusions: FAM83H nonsense mutations have recently been recognised as a cause of AD hypocalcified AI. We report a novel nonsense FAM83H mutation and describe the associated preliminary ultrastructural phenotype in deciduous teeth. This is characterised by poorly formed enamel rods with inappropriate retention of amorphous material, which is likely to represent retained organic matrix that contributes to the overall hypomineralised phenotype. Copyright (C) 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel