Abstract: Dentin matrix protein（DMP）-1 is an acidic non-collagenous protein that is necessary for the proper biomineralization of bone, cartilage, cementum, dentin and enamel. Protein chemistry studies have shown that the full length of DMP-1, as a precursor, is cleaved into two distinct forms: the C-terminal and N-terminal fragments. DMP-1 is believed to have multiple functions in vivo, acting both as a signaling molecule and a regulator of biomineralization and is essential in the maturation of odontoblasts and osteoblasts. This article reviewed the role of DMP-1 in gene regulation, tissue/cell expression patterns, and biominerealized functions in dentinogenesis and osteogenesis.