Cementum protein(CEMP)1, a specific product expressed during cementum formation, is an alkaline protein with a relative molecular mass of 2.59×104. The secondary structure present in recombinant human CEMP1(rhCEMP1) is mainly composed of β-sheet. Transfection of CEMP1 into human gingival fibroblasts promotes calcium nodule formation of hydroxyapatite that resembles the biological type, in Ca/P, which indicates cemetoblast and osteoblast phenotypes. CEMP1 can regulate core binding factor α1, a transcriptional activator of osteoblast differentiation. Co-culturing rhCEMP1 with human periodontal ligament cell (hPDLC) induces the formation of a tissue-like structure resembling bone and cementum, and cartilage-like material. Alkaline phosphatase(AKP)-positive hPDLC is preferentially categorized into cemetoblasts and osteoblasts. CEMP1 is strictly expressed in only a few hPDLC and >90% of cemetoblasts. Therefore, CEMP1 is closely related to the high AKP concentration in hPDLC. This article reviews the research progress in the biological function and future applications of CEMP1.
