PRH1 is encoded by the PRH1 gene on chromosome 12, part of a locus with polymorphic alleles (e.g., Pa, Db, PIF) .
Tissue Specificity: Exclusively expressed in salivary glands, with minimal expression in other tissues .
Inducers: Isoproterenol (β-adrenergic agonist) and dietary tannins upregulate PRH1 via cAMP pathways .
Genetic Polymorphisms: Allelic variants influence protein diversity and dental caries susceptibility .
| Factor | Effect on PRH1 Expression | Mechanism | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isoproterenol | ↑ | β-adrenergic signaling | |
| Tannins | ↑ | Mimics isoproterenol | |
| 17α-Ethynylestradiol | ↓ | Hormonal regulation |
PRH1 exhibits dual roles in oral health and genomic integrity:
Dental Protection: Inhibits calcium phosphate precipitation, preventing enamel demineralization .
Pellicle Formation: Adsorbs to hydroxyapatite surfaces, forming a protective dental pellicle .
G-Quadruplex Resolution: Binds and stabilizes G4 DNA structures, preventing replication stress and double-strand breaks .
Telomere Maintenance: Interacts with PIF1 helicase to regulate telomerase activity and telomere elongation .
PRH1 expression is influenced by environmental and pharmacological agents:
The PRH1 gene is located on chromosome 12 and is part of a cluster of closely related salivary proline-rich proteins . The gene undergoes alternative splicing, resulting in multiple transcript variants that encode different isoforms of the protein . The reference genome encodes the double band slow (Db-s) allele, but multiple distinct alleles of this locus have been characterized, including the parotid isoelectric-focusing variant slow (PIF-s) and the parotid acidic protein (Pa) isoforms .
Proline-rich proteins (PRPs) like PRH1 play a crucial role in maintaining oral health. They act as highly potent inhibitors of crystal growth of calcium phosphates, providing a protective and reparative environment for dental enamel . This function is essential for the integrity of teeth and helps prevent dental caries . PRPs are also involved in the initial stages of digestion and have been shown to bind to various oral bacteria, influencing the composition of the oral microbiome .
Human recombinant PRH1 is produced using recombinant DNA technology, where the PRH1 gene is cloned into an expression vector and introduced into a suitable host cell, such as E. coli or yeast. The host cells then produce the PRH1 protein, which can be purified and used for various research and clinical applications . Recombinant PRH1 is valuable for studying the protein’s structure, function, and interactions with other molecules, as well as for developing therapeutic interventions for oral health issues .
Certain alleles of the PRH1 gene are associated with susceptibility to dental caries . Understanding the genetic variations and functional differences among PRH1 isoforms can provide insights into individual susceptibility to dental diseases and inform personalized approaches to oral health care. Additionally, PRH1 and other PRPs are being investigated for their potential roles in other physiological processes and diseases, making them a subject of ongoing research .