HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Figures Only Full Text Full Text (PDF) Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Helmerhorst, E.J. Articles by Oppenheim, F.G. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Helmerhorst, E.J. Articles by Oppenheim, F.G.

Saliva: a Dynamic Proteome

Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine, Department of Periodontology and Oral Biology, 700 Albany Street CABR W-201, Boston, MA 02118, USA

^* corresponding author, helmer{at}bu.edu

The proteome of whole saliva, in contrast to that of serum, is highly susceptible to a variety of physiological and biochemical processes. First, salivary protein secretion is under neurologic control, with protein output being dependent on the stimulus. Second, extensive salivary protein modifications occur in the oral environment, where a plethora of host- and bacteria-derived enzymes act on proteins emanating from the glandular ducts. Salivary protein biosynthesis starts with the transcription and translation of salivary protein genes in the glands, followed by post-translational processing involving protein glycosylation, phosphorylation, and proteolysis. This gives rise to salivary proteins occurring in families, consisting of structurally closely related family members. Once glandular secretions enter the non-sterile oral environment, proteins are subjected to additional and continuous protein modifications, leading to extensive proteolytic cleavage, partial deglycosylation, and protein-protein complex formation. All these protein modifications occur in a dynamic environment dictated by the continuous supply of newly synthesized proteins and removal by swallowing. Understanding the proteome of whole saliva in an environment of continuous turnover will be a prerequisite to gain insight into the physiological and pathological processes relevant to oral health, and be crucial for the identification of meaningful biomarkers for oral disease.

KEY WORDS: saliva • proteomics • polymorphic • proteolysis • glycosylation • phosphorylation • degradation • complexation • diagnostics • oral

This article has been cited by other articles:

				I. Messana, T. Cabras, E. Pisano, M. T. Sanna, A. Olianas, B. Manconi, M. Pellegrini, G. Paludetti, E. Scarano, A. Fiorita, et al. Trafficking and Postsecretory Events Responsible for the Formation of Secreted Human Salivary Peptides: A Proteomics Approach Mol. Cell. Proteomics, May 1, 2008; 7(5): 911 - 926. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C. Dawes Salivary flow patterns and the health of hard and soft oral tissues J Am Dent Assoc, May 1, 2008; 139(suppl_2): 18S - 24S. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]