Fibulin 7 (FBLN7)

FBLN7 encodes a deduced 440-amino acid protein containing a 23-amino acid signal peptide, a Sushi domain, 3 EGF domains with calcium-binding motifs, and a C-terminal fibulin domain. Fbln7 mRNA was expressed in preodontoblasts and odontoblasts as well as in cartilage, hair follicles, and extraembryonic areas of the placenta.

Immunostaining showed that Fbln7 localized to the apical pericellular regions of preodontoblasts. When the dentin matrix was fully formed, Fbln7 was present in the predentin matrix and along the dentinal tubules. Fbln7 was glycosylated with N-linked oligosaccharides and interacted with heparin, fibronectin, fibulin-1, and dentin sialophosphoprotein. Fbln7 bound particularly to dental mesenchyme and odontoblasts.