Properties of Cysteine-containing Phosphoproteins from Human Submandibular-sublingual Saliva

Cysteine-containing phosphoproteins (CCP) similar to those found in human submandibular-sublingual saliva have also been detected in parotid saliva and tears suggesting a serous origin. No appreciable difference was found in salivary CCP concentrations between caries-susceptible and caries-resistant individuals. CCPadsorbed to hydroxyapatite, and this binding was due in part to phosphate residues. In addition, these molecules inhibited the transformation of dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, albeit to a lesser extent than statherin.