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Yin J, Xu J, Cheng R, Shao M, Qin Y, Yang H, Hu T. Role of connexin 43 in odontoblastic differentiation and structural maintenance in pulp damage repair. Int J Oral Sci 2021; 13:1. [PMID: 33414369 PMCID: PMC7791050 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-020-00105-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Dental pulp can initiate its damage repair after an injury of the pulp–dentin complex by rearrangement of odontoblasts and formation of newly differentiated odontoblast-like cells. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is one of the gap junction proteins that participates in multiple tissue repair processes. However, the role of Cx43 in the repair of the dental pulp remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the function of Cx43 in the odontoblast arrangement patterns and odontoblastic differentiation. Human teeth for in vitro experiments were acquired, and a pulp injury model in Sprague-Dawley rats was used for in vivo analysis. The odontoblast arrangement pattern and the expression of Cx43 and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) were assessed. To investigate the function of Cx43 in odontoblastic differentiation, we overexpressed or inhibited Cx43. The results indicated that polarized odontoblasts were arranged along the pulp–dentin interface and had high levels of Cx43 expression in the healthy teeth; however, the odontoblast arrangement pattern was slightly changed concomitant to an increase in the Cx43 expression in the carious teeth. Regularly arranged odontoblast-like cells had high levels of the Cx43 expression during the formation of mature dentin, but the odontoblast-like cells were not regularly arranged beneath immature osteodentin in the pulp injury models. Subsequent in vitro experiments demonstrated that Cx43 is upregulated during odontoblastic differentiation of the dental pulp cells, and inhibition or overexpression of Cx43 influence the odontoblastic differentiation. Thus, Cx43 may be involved in the maintenance of odontoblast arrangement patterns, and influence the pulp repair outcomes by the regulation of odontoblastic differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Endodontics, School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jue Xu
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ran Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Meiying Shao
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuandong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Tao Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Zhang B, Huo S, Cen X, Pan X, Huang X, Zhao Z. circAKT3 positively regulates osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stromal cells via miR-206/CX43 axis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2020; 11:531. [PMID: 33298186 PMCID: PMC7726914 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-020-02058-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human dental pulp stromal cells (hDPSCs) are promising sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for bone tissue regeneration. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been demonstrated to play critical roles in stem cell osteogenic differentiation. Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of circAKT3 during osteogenesis of hDPSCs and the underlying mechanisms of its function. Methods We performed circRNA sequencing to investigate the expression profiles of circular RNAs during osteogenesis of hDPSCs. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the expression pattern of circAKT3 and miR-206 in hDPSCs during osteogenesis. We knocked down circAKT3 and interfered the expression of miR-206 to verify their regulatory role in hDPSC osteogenesis. We detected hDPSCs mineralization by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining and used dual-luciferase reporter assay to validate the direct binding between circAKT3 and miR-206. To investigate in vivo mineralization, we performed subcutaneous transplantation in nude mice and used hematoxylin and eosin, Masson’s trichrome, and immunohistochemistry staining. Results Totally, 86 circRNAs were differentially expressed during hDPSC osteogenesis, in which 29 were downregulated while 57 were upregulated. circAKT3 was upregulated while miR-206 was downregulated during hDPSC osteogenesis. Knockdown of circAKT3 inhibited ALP/ARS staining and expression levels of osteogenic genes. circAKT3 directly interacted with miR-206, and the latter one suppressed osteogenesis of hDPSCs. Silencing miR-206 partially reversed the inhibitory effect of circAKT3 knockdown on osteogenesis. Connexin 43 (CX43), which positively regulates osteogenesis of stem cells, was predicted as a target of miR-206, and overexpression or knockdown of miR-206 could correspondingly decrease and increase the expression of CX43. In vivo study showed knockdown of circAKT3 suppressed the formation of mineralized nodules and expression of osteogenic proteins. Conclusion During osteogenesis of hDPSCs, circAKT3 could function as a positive regulator by directly sponging miR-206 and arresting the inhibitive effect of miR-206 on CX43 expression. Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-020-02058-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, 3rd Section, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Sibei Huo
- Department of Stomatology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Cen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Temporomandibular Joint, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefeng Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China.,Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, 3rd Section, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinqi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, 3rd Section, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhihe Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, 3rd Section, South Renmin Road, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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Omagari D, Hayatsu M, Yamamoto K, Kobayashi M, Tsukano N, Nameta M, Mikami Y. Gap junction with MLO-A5 osteoblast-like cell line induces ALP and BSP transcription of 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte like cell line via Hspb1 while retaining adipogenic differentiation ability. Bone 2020; 141:115596. [PMID: 32814124 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2020.115596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
In bone tissues, gap junctions form direct links between the cytoplasm of an osteocyte and another adjacent osteocyte or osteoblast, which underlie both bone formation and bone resorption. We have previously demonstrated that alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bone sialoprotein (BSP), which are osteoblast markers, were induced in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) co-cultured with osteoblast-like cell line. However, the molecular mechanism of this process has not been fully addressed. Furthermore, few advances have been made toward elucidating the communication networks that link the status of committed cells such as (pre-) adipocytes that differentiated from MSCs as well as osteoblasts. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to investigate the mechanism underlying the communication network between pre-adipocytes and osteoblasts. We evaluated the effect of co-culture with osteoblast on the cell status of pre-adipocytes using murine osteoblast-like cell line, MLO-A5, and pre-adipocyte-like cell line, 3T3-L1, respectively. The results presented here demonstrated that osteoblasts and pre-adipocytes communicate via gap junctions, and the ensuing drastic increase in ALP and BSP transcription in co-cultured pre-adipocytes was induced, at least partly, via heat shock protein family B member 1 (Hspb1). In addition, terminal differentiation into adipocytes was suppressed in pre-adipocytes during co-culture with osteoblast without loss of adipogenic differentiation ability. Interestingly, after co-culture with osteoblasts, isolated co-cultured pre-adipocytes were able to differentiate to adipocytes as well as original pre-adipocytes. These results suggest that gap junctional communication with osteoblasts suppressed adipogenic differentiation of pre-adipocytes without loss of adipogenic differentiation ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Omagari
- Department of Pathology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
| | - Manabu Hayatsu
- Division of Microscopic Anatomy, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata 951-8122, Japan
| | - Kiyofumi Yamamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kobayashi
- Department of Pharmacology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kanda-Surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-8310, Japan
| | - Naruchika Tsukano
- Division of Microscopic Anatomy, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata 951-8122, Japan
| | - Masaaki Nameta
- Electron Microscope Core Facility, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata 951-8122, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Mikami
- Division of Microscopic Anatomy, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Chuo-ku, Niigata-shi, Niigata 951-8122, Japan.
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Liu W, Cui Y, Wei J, Sun J, Zheng L, Xie J. Gap junction-mediated cell-to-cell communication in oral development and oral diseases: a concise review of research progress. Int J Oral Sci 2020; 12:17. [PMID: 32532966 PMCID: PMC7293327 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-020-0086-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Homoeostasis depends on the close connection and intimate molecular exchange between extracellular, intracellular and intercellular networks. Intercellular communication is largely mediated by gap junctions (GJs), a type of specialized membrane contact composed of variable number of channels that enable direct communication between cells by allowing small molecules to pass directly into the cytoplasm of neighbouring cells. Although considerable evidence indicates that gap junctions contribute to the functions of many organs, such as the bone, intestine, kidney, heart, brain and nerve, less is known about their role in oral development and disease. In this review, the current progress in understanding the background of connexins and the functions of gap junctions in oral development and diseases is discussed. The homoeostasis of tooth and periodontal tissues, normal tooth and maxillofacial development, saliva secretion and the integrity of the oral mucosa depend on the proper function of gap junctions. Knowledge of this pattern of cell-cell communication is required for a better understanding of oral diseases. With the ever-increasing understanding of connexins in oral diseases, therapeutic strategies could be developed to target these membrane channels in various oral diseases and maxillofacial dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujia Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jieya Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianxun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liwei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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March JT, Golshirazi G, Cernisova V, Carr H, Leong Y, Lu-Nguyen N, Popplewell LJ. Targeting TGFβ Signaling to Address Fibrosis Using Antisense Oligonucleotides. Biomedicines 2018; 6:biomedicines6030074. [PMID: 29941814 PMCID: PMC6164894 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines6030074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 06/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis results from the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix in chronically injured tissue. The fibrotic process is governed by crosstalk between many signaling pathways. The search for an effective treatment is further complicated by the fact that there is a degree of tissue-specificity in the pathways involved, although the process is not completely understood for all tissues. A plethora of drugs have shown promise in pre-clinical models, which is not always borne out translationally in clinical trial. With the recent approvals of two antisense oligonucleotides for the treatment of the genetic diseases Duchenne muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy, we explore here the potential of antisense oligonucleotides to knockdown the expression of pro-fibrotic proteins. We give an overview of the generalized fibrotic process, concentrating on key players and highlight where antisense oligonucleotides have been used effectively in cellular and animal models of different fibrotic conditions. Consideration is given to the advantages antisense oligonucleotides would have as an anti-fibrotic therapy alongside factors that would need to be addressed to improve efficacy. A prospective outlook for the development of antisense oligonucleotides to target fibrosis is outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T March
- Centre for Gene and Cell Therapy, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK.
| | - Golnoush Golshirazi
- Centre for Gene and Cell Therapy, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK.
| | - Viktorija Cernisova
- Centre for Gene and Cell Therapy, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK.
| | - Heidi Carr
- Centre for Gene and Cell Therapy, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK.
| | - Yee Leong
- Centre for Gene and Cell Therapy, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK.
| | - Ngoc Lu-Nguyen
- Centre for Gene and Cell Therapy, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK.
| | - Linda J Popplewell
- Centre for Gene and Cell Therapy, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway-University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK.
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Li S, He H, Zhang G, Wang F, Zhang P, Tan Y. Connexin43-containing gap junctions potentiate extracellular Ca2+-induced odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells via Erk1/2. Exp Cell Res 2015; 338:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Centeno VA, Fontanetti PA, Interlandi V, Ponce RH, Gallará RV. Fluoride alters connexin expression in rat incisor pulp. Arch Oral Biol 2014; 60:313-9. [PMID: 25438100 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2014.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Connexins (Cxs) are important to control growth and cell differentiation of dental tissues. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of chronic exposure to sodium fluoride (NaF) on Cxs expression and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in dental pulp, and on morphometric parameters of adult rat mandible and incisors. DESIGN Three groups of male Wistar rats (22 days-old) were given water containing: (a) 0.3 mg/L (Control), (b) 10 mg/L and (c) 50 mg/L of NaF for eight weeks. Incisor pulp homogenates were prepared for determination of Cx32, Cx43 and Cx45 gene expression, using semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and of ALP activity. Morphometric parameters of mandible and incisors were determined on radiographs. RESULTS Cx43 gene expression increased with exposure to NaF in a dose-dependent manner. Cx32 mRNA levels were higher than controls in the 10mg/L NaF group only; Cx45 mRNA levels were lower in groups given 10 and 50mg/L of NaF than in controls. ALP activity was higher in both high-NaF dose groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). Lower incisor diameter was lower in the 50 mg/L NaF than in the control group (p<0.01). None of the mandibular growth parameters were affected by NaF treatment. CONCLUSION Our results showed that fluorotic alterations in rat incisor were associated with increased Cx43 expression and ALP activity, as well as with changes in the expression pattern of different Cxs in pulp tissue. The observed changes may have a stimulating effect on dentin mineralization.
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Affiliation(s)
- V A Centeno
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Dentistry, National University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - P A Fontanetti
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Dentistry, National University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - V Interlandi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Dentistry, National University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - R H Ponce
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Dentistry, National University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - R V Gallará
- Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Dentistry, National University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
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Muramatsu T, Hashimoto S, Shibukawa Y, Yuasa K, Furusawa M, Shimono M. Immunoelectron microscopic observation of connexin43 in rat odontoblasts. Microsc Res Tech 2013; 76:988-91. [PMID: 23922183 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.22271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions play an important role in differentiation of odontoblasts. Gap junction protein, connexin 43 is expressed in odontoblast. However, the detailed localization in odontoblasts has yet to be fully investigated. We investigated the localization of connexin43 in rat odontoblasts immuno-electron microscopically. The rats were transcardially fixed with 1% paraformaldehyde in 0.1M phosphate buffer, and mandibles were decalcified with 10% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid. Pre-embedding method was carried out for immuno-electron microscopic analysis. Microscopically, gap junctions were localized between bodies of odontoblasts, and between bodies and processes of odontoblasts. The gap junctions were labeled with gold particles that indicated connexin43. These results suggest that gap junctions between odontoblasts are definitely composed of connexin43 in rats, and our methods used in this study is useful to investigate localization of connexin43 immuno-electron microscopically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Muramatsu
- Department of Endodontics and Clinical Cardiology, Tokyo Dental College, Japan; Department of Pathology, Tokyo Dental College, Japan; Oral Health Science Center hrc8, Tokyo Dental College, Japan
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Syed-Picard FN, Jayaraman T, Lam RSK, Beniash E, Sfeir C. Osteoinductivity of calcium phosphate mediated by connexin 43. Biomaterials 2013; 34:3763-74. [PMID: 23465492 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.01.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Recent reports have alluded to the osteoinductive properties of calcium phosphate, yet the cellular processes behind this are not well understood. To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms of this phenomenon, we have conducted a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments using a scaffoldless three dimensional (3D) dental pulp cell (DPC) construct as a physiologically relevant model. We demonstrate that amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) alters cellular functions and 3D spatial tissue differentiation patterns by increasing local calcium concentration, which modulates connexin 43 (Cx43)-mediated gap junctions. These observations indicate a chemical mechanism for osteoinductivity of calcium phosphates. These results provide new insights for possible roles of mineral phases in bone formation and remodeling. This study also emphasizes the strong effect of scaffold materials on cellular functions and is expected to advance the design of future tissue engineering materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima N Syed-Picard
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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Monteiro BG, Serafim RC, Melo GB, Silva MCP, Lizier NF, Maranduba CMC, Smith RL, Kerkis A, Cerruti H, Gomes JAP, Kerkis I. Human immature dental pulp stem cells share key characteristic features with limbal stem cells. Cell Prolif 2009; 42:587-94. [PMID: 19614680 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2184.2009.00623.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Limbal stem cells (LSC) are self-renewing, highly proliferative cells in vitro, which express a set of specific markers and in vivo have the capacity to reconstruct the entire corneal epithelium in cases of ocular surface injury. Currently, LSC transplantation is a commonly used procedure in patients with either uni- or bilateral total limbal stem cells deficiency (TLSCD). Although LSC transplantation holds great promise for patients, several problems need to be overcome. In order to find an alternative source of cells that can partially substitute LSC in cornea epithelium reconstruction, we aimed at investigating whether human immature dental pulp stem cells (hIDPSC) would present similar key characteristics as LSC and whether they could be used for corneal surface reconstruction in a rabbit TLSCD model. MATERIALS We used hIDPSC, which co-express mesenchymal and embryonic stem cell markers and present the capacity to differentiate into derivative cells of the three germinal layers. TLSCD was induced by chemical burn in one eye of rabbits. After 30 days, the opaque tissue formed was removed by superficial keratectomy. Experimental group received undifferentiated hIDPSC, while control group only received amniotic membrane (AM). Both groups were sacrificed after 3 months. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated, using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, that hIDPSCs express markers in common with LSC, such as ABCG2, integrin beta1, vimentin, p63, connexin 43 and cytokeratins 3/12. They were also capable of reconstructing the eye surface after induction of unilateral TLSCD in rabbits, as shown by morphological and immunohistochemical analysis using human-specific antibodies against limbal and corneal epithelium. Our data suggest that hIDPSCs share similar characteristics with LSC and might be used as a potential alternative source of cells for corneal reconstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- B G Monteiro
- Genetics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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