Abstract: Biomineralization, like other processes of tissue development, requires complex, coordinated, spatial and temporal cues from a variety of sources. To better understand the elements involved in dental tissue formation and repair, the approach will be to isolate simple, prominent features of molecules found abundantly in the dentin extracellular matrix that are believed to play a significant role in the mineralization process. The Asp-Ser-Ser (DSS) peptide sequence is one such motif. Testing individual sequences with well-defined chemical properties will provide fundamental knowledge about molecular mechanisms involved in the mineralization process. An improved understanding of fundamental principles involved in tissue mineralization can be used to outline design rules for more effective biomaterials and clinical therapies in the future. A series of small peptide sequences consisting of variations of the Asp-Ser-Ser (DSS) motif have been produced. Data presented here show that various forms of DSS has a high affinity for hydroxyapatite crystals and can recruit and concentrate calcium phosphate in solution. In vitro studies using human dental tissue have shown that DSS promotes remineralization of dentin and enamel under controlled conditions. To date, some investigators have examined the interactions between collagen and full-length phosphoproteins but the specific role of the DSS sequences in phosphoprotein/collagen interactions has not yet been investigated. DSS sequences bind readily to collagen and induce mineralization of collagen fibers. Additionally, at high concentrations, DSS peptides can accelerate fibrillogenesis of collagen I. The basic science approach of these studies can be used to cultivate a foundation for future work in which DSS or other functional sequences may be used to enhance tissue regeneration.