Identification of Protein Components in in vivo Human Acquired Enamel Pellicle Using LC−ESI−MS/MS

Abstract

The acquired enamel pellicle is a thin protein film forming upon exposure of tooth enamel surfaces to saliva. The structural analysis of this integument relies on efficient pellicle harvesting and protein identification procedures. Material from three individual subjects and two pooled samples yielded the identification by LC−ESI−MS/MS of 130 pellicle proteins of which 89 were found in three or more experiments. A high intersubject consistency in pellicle composition was observed. Keywords: acquired enamel pellicle • proteomics • oral • mass spectrometry • LC−ESI−MS/MS • linear ion trap • proteins • saliva