The role of integrin-α5 in the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells

An Optimized Decellularized Extracellular Matrix from Dental Pulp Stem Cell Sheets Promotes Axonal Regeneration by Multiple Modes in Spinal Cord Injury Rats

In the field of tissue engineering, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is considered an important element for promoting neural regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), mesenchymal stem cells that originate from the neural crest, are easy to harvest and culture in vitro, express a variety of neurotrophic factors (NTFs) and deposit a large amount of ECM, making them a good choice for stem cell- or ECM-based treatment of SCI. In the present study, decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) derived from DPSC sheets is used for the treatment of SCI. Optimization experiments reveal that incubating DPSC sheets with 1% Triton X-100 for 5 min is the best procedure for preparing DPSC dECM. It is found that DPSC dECM promotes nerve repair and regeneration after SCI and restores hindlimb motor function in rats. Mechanistically, DPSC dECM facilitates the migration and neural differentiation of neural stem cells, as well as M2 polarization of microglia, and inhibits the formation of glial scars. This study suggests that the use of DPSC dECM is a potential strategy for the treatment of SCI.

The novel protein complex FAPα/ITGA5 is involved in the bone destruction of apical periodontitis

The bacteria that invade the periapical tissue of teeth can directly damage tissue cells such as periapical fibroblasts, leading to an inflammatory response in the periapical tissue and ultimately resulting in bone destruction. We investigated the role of fibroblast activation protein α (FAPα) and integrin α5 (ITGA5) in periapical bone destruction. This study found that FAPα and ITGA5 were highly expressed in human tissues from patients with chronic apical periodontitis. Osteoclast differentiation decreased when FAPα or ITGA5 was silenced and inhibited. The results of protein molecular docking showed that FAPα had good binding affinity to ITGA5, and its free energy was -14.5 kcal/mol. Immunofluorescence staining and co-immunoprecipitation showed that FAPα and ITGA5 formed protein complexes in the inflammatory microenvironment. In conclusion, this study proved that FAPα and ITGA5 participate in the regulation of osteoclast differentiation by forming protein complexes in the inflammatory microenvironment, which then regulates the occurrence and development of chronic apical periodontitis.

Platelet factor 4 induces bone loss by inhibiting the integrin α5-FAK-ERK pathway

BACKGROUND

The effect of platelet factor 4 (PF4) on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) and osteoporosis is poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of PF4-triggered bone destruction in mice and determine the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

First, in vitro cell proliferation and cell cycle of BMMSCs were assessed using a CCK8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Osteogenic differentiation was confirmed using staining and quantification of alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin Red S. Next, an osteoporotic mouse model was established by performing bilateral ovariectomy (OVX). Furthermore, the PF4 concentrations were obtained using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The bone microarchitecture of the femur was evaluated using microCT and histological analyses. Finally, the key regulators of osteogenesis and pathways were investigated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting.

RESULTS

Human PF4 widely and moderately decreased the cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation ability of BMMSCs. Furthermore, the levels of PF4 in the serum and bone marrow were generally increased, whereas bone microarchitecture deteriorated due to OVX. Moreover, in vivo mouse PF4 supplementation triggered bone deterioration of the femur. In addition, several key regulators of osteogenesis were downregulated, and the integrin α5-focal adhesion kinase-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ITGA5-FAK-ERK) pathway was inhibited due to PF4 supplementation.

CONCLUSIONS

PF4 may be attributed to OVX-induced bone loss triggered by the suppression of bone formation in vivo and alleviate BMMSC osteogenic differentiation by inhibiting the ITGA5-FAK-ERK pathway.

Application of Dental Pulp Stem Cells for Bone and Neural Tissue Regeneration in Oral and Maxillofacial Region

In the oral and maxillofacial region, the treatment of severe bone defects, caused by fractures, cancers, congenital abnormalities, etc., remains a great challenge. In addition, neurological disorders are frequently accompanied by these bone defects or the treatments for them. Therefore, novel bone regenerative techniques and methods to repair nerve injury are eagerly sought. Among them, strategies using dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are promising options. Human DPSCs can be collected easily from extracted teeth and are now considered a type of mesenchymal stem cell with higher clonogenic and proliferative potential. DPSCs have been getting attention as a cell source for bone and nerve regeneration. In this article, we reviewed the latest studies on osteogenic or neural differentiation of DPSCs as well as bone or neural regeneration methods using DPSCs and discussed the potential of DPSCs for bone and nerve tissue regeneration.

N-Cadherin Regulates the Odontogenic Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells via β-Catenin Activity

Dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) transplantation has shown new prospects in dental pulp regeneration, and is of great significance in the treatment of pulpitis and pulp necrosis. The fate and regenerative potential of stem cells are dependent, to a great extent, on their microenvironment, which is composed of various tissue components, cell populations, and soluble factors. N-cadherin-mediated cell–cell interaction has been implicated as an important factor in controlling the cell-fate commitment of mesenchymal stem cells. In this study, the effect of N-cadherin on odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs and the potential underlying mechanisms, both in vitro and in vivo, was investigated using a cell culture model and a subcutaneous transplantation mouse model. It was found that the expression of N-cadherin was reversely related to the expression of odontogenic markers (dentin sialophosphoprotein, DSPP, and runt-related transcription factor 2, Runx2) during the differentiation process of DPSCs. Specific shRNA-mediated knockdown of N-cadherin expression in DPSCs significantly increased the expression of DSPP and Runx2, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and the formation of mineralized nodules. Notably, N-cadherin silencing promoted nucleus translocation and accumulation of β-catenin. Inhibition of β-catenin by a specific inhibitor XAV939, reversed the facilitating effects of N-cadherin downregulation on odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs. In addition, knockdown of N-cadherin promoted the formation of odontoblast-like cells and collagenous matrix in β-tricalcium phosphate/DPSCs composites transplanted into mice. In conclusion, N-cadherin acted as a negative regulator via regulating β-catenin activity during odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs. These data may help to guide DPSC behavior by tuning the N-cadherin-mediated cell–cell interactions, with implications for pulp regeneration.

Comparing bone tissue engineering efficacy of HDPSCs, HBMSCs on 3D biomimetic ABM-P-15 scaffolds in vitro and in vivo

Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs) has been the gold standard for bone regeneration. However, the low proliferation rate and long doubling time limited its clinical applications. This study aims to compare the bone tissue engineering efficacy of human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs) with HBMSCs in 2D, and 3D anorganic bone mineral (ABM) coated with a biomimetic collagen peptide (ABM-P-15) for improving bone-forming speed and efficacy in vitro and in vivo. The multipotential of both HDPSCs and HBMSCs have been compared in vitro. The bone formation of HDPSCs on ABM-P-15 was tested using in vivo model. The osteogenic potential of the cells was confirmed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and immunohistological staining for osteogenic markers. Enhanced ALP, collagen, lipid droplet, or glycosaminoglycans production were visible in HDPSCs and HBMSCs after osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic induction. HDPSC showed stronger ALP staining compared to HBMSCs. Confocal images showed more viable HDPSCs on both ABM-P-15 and ABM scaffolds compared to HBMSCs on similar scaffolds. ABM-P-15 enhanced cell attachment/spreading/bridging formation on ABM-P-15 scaffolds and significantly increased quantitative ALP specific activities of the HDPSCs and HBMSCs. After 8 weeks in vivo implantation in diffusion chamber model, the HDPSCs on ABM-P-15 scaffolds showed extensive high organised collagenous matrix formation that was positive for COL-I and OCN compared to ABM alone. In conclusion, the HDPSCs have a higher proliferation rate and better osteogenic capacity, which indicated the potential of combining HDPSCs with ABM-P-15 scaffolds for improving bone regeneration speed and efficacy.

Genome-wide identification of long noncoding RNAs and their competing endogenous RNA networks involved in the odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells

BACKGROUND

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in the multiple differentiations of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, few studies have focused on the regulatory mechanism of lncRNAs in the odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs).

METHODS

hDPSCs were induced to differentiate into odontoblasts in vitro, and the expression profiles of lncRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in differentiated and undifferentiated cells were obtained by microarray. Bioinformatics analyses including Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, pathway analysis, and binding site prediction were performed for functional annotation of lncRNA. miRNA/odontogenesis-related gene networks and lncRNA-associated ceRNA networks were constructed. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to verify the expression of selected genes. RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), qRT-PCR, and western blot analysis were used to explore the location and function of lncRNA-G043225. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the binding sites of miR-588 with G043225 and Fibrillin 1 (FBN1).

RESULTS

We identified 132 lncRNAs, 114 miRNAs, and 172 mRNAs were differentially expressed. GO analysis demonstrated that regulation of the neurogenic locus notch homolog (Notch), Wnt, and epidermal growth factor receptor (ERBB) signaling pathways and activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity were related to odontogenic differentiation. Pathway analysis indicated that the most significant pathway was the forkhead box O (FoxO) signaling pathway, which is related to odontogenic differentiation. Two odontogenesis-related gene-centered lncRNA-associated ceRNA networks were successfully constructed. The qRT-PCR validation results were consistent with the microarray analysis. G043225 mainly locating in cytoplasm was proved to promote the odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs via miR-588 and FBN1.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study revealing lncRNA-associated ceRNA network during odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs using microarray, and it could provide clues to explore the mechanism of action at the RNA-RNA level as well as novel treatments for dentin regeneration based on stem cells.

Stepwise Adipogenesis of Decellularized Cellular Extracellular Matrix Regulates Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cell Migration and Differentiation

Microenvironmental factors can modulate the cellular status of adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs). In response to microenvironmental changes, cells can remodel extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, which play an important role in regulating cell behaviors. During adipogenic differentiation, ECM components secreted from ASCs remodel dramatically. To evaluate the role of stepwise adipogenesis-induced cellular secretion of ECM on the behavior of ASCs, we cultured ASCs in growth and adipogenic media, and ECM secreted from cells was characterized and decellularized. The ASCs were then reseeded on decellularized ECM (d-ECM) to determine the regulatory effects of ECM on cellular behaviors. During adipogenesis, cell-secreted ECM underwent remodeling characterized by conversion from fibronectin-rich ECM to laminin-rich ECM. The cellular status of ASCs was tested after reseeding on decellularized ECM. When reseeded on growth d-ECM, ASCs exhibited greater migration ability. In contrast, ASCs seeded on adipogenic d-ECM underwent adipogenic differentiation. In addition, integrin subunit αv and integrins α6 and α7 were detected at significantly greater levels in ASCs cultured on growth and adipogenic d-ECM, respectively, suggesting that integrins play an important role in ASC migration and adipogenesis. This study demonstrated that stepwise adipogenesis-induced ECM production plays an important role in ASC migration and differentiation. In addition, this study provided a strategy to achieve precise regulation of stem cell function in adipose tissue engineering.

Integrin-α5 promoted the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma and modulated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Integrin-α5 (ITGA5) gene has been reported to be critical for the progression of several cancers. However, the effects of ITGA5 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear.

METHODS

We firstly used bioinformatics methods to analyze the ITGA5 gene expression based on the public dataset. HO1-N-1 and SCC-9 cells with silenced ITGA5 were constructed using siRNA. Then, we determined the biological functions of ITGA5 in OSCC cells using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, colony formation assay, wound healing assay and transwell assays. The expression of PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, ERK and pERK were determined by western blot.

RESULTS

Our results revealed that ITGA5 expression was up-regulated in OSCC. The biological experiments further confirmed that ITGA5 expression was higher in OSCC cell lines. Moreover, we found that knockdown of ITGA5 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of OSCC cells. The expression of phosphorylated-(p) PI3K, p-AKT and p-ERK obviously decreased after knockdown of ITGA5 in OSCC cells.

CONCLUSION

In summary, ITGA5 could promote the progression of OSCC via activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and it can be regarded as a potential biomarker for OSCC treatment.

Priming integrin α5 promotes human dental pulp stem cells odontogenic differentiation due to extracellular matrix deposition and amplified extracellular matrix-receptor activity

Our previous study showed that knocking down integrin α5 (ITGA5) expression by using a lentiviral vector in human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) led to weakening proliferation and migration capacity while enhanced odontogenic differentiation. To seek for possible clinical application, we investigated the effect of the ITGA5 priming synthetic cyclic peptide (SCP; GA-CRRETAWAC-GA) on proliferation, migration, and the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs. Remarkably, the involved mechanism was explored by isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation proteomic technique, and the in vivo effect of ITGA5 was investigated by nude mice subcutaneous transplantation of cell and hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate complex. Results showed that SCP weakened the proliferation and migration capacity while enhanced odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs as lentivirus. The phosphorylation of FAK, PI3K/AKT, and MEK1/2/ERK1/2, along with IGF2/IGFBP2 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway play an important role in this process. Proteomic Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis revealed the key role of extracellular matrix (ECM) and ECM-receptor activity pathway were involved. ECM constituents, secreted protein acidic and cysteine-rich (SPARC), lumican, vitronectin, prolargin, decorin, collagen type VI α1 chain (COL6A1), COL6A2, COL14A1, and COL5A1 were upregulated in the ITGA5-silenced group. Inhibited expression of ITGA5 in DPSCs increased osteoid tissue formation and stronger related genes expression in vivo. In conclusion, the ITGA5 priming peptide could promote DPSCs odontogenic differentiation as lentivirus. Proteomics and bioinformatic analysis revealed that this may be due to the deposition of ECM and amplified ECM-receptor activity, which could fuel the application process of utilizing priming ITGA5 on dental clinical practice.

Identification of key genes and pathways associated with osteogenic differentiation of adipose stem cells

Adipose stem cells (ASCs) are considered a great alternative source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and have shown great promise on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications, including bone repair. However, the underlying mechanisms regulating the osteogenic differentiation of ASCs remain poorly known. Gene expression profiles of GSE63754 and GSE37329 were downloaded from gene expression omnibus database. R software and Bioconductor packages were used to compare and identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) before and after ASC osteogenic differentiation. The common significant DEGs between GSE63754 and GSE37329 were then subjected to gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA), and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) networks analysis. One of the central node genes FOXO1 was selected for further investigation. A total of 142 up- and 69 downregulated genes were aberrantly expressed in both GSE63754 and GSE37329. GO analysis revealed that these DEGs were associated with extracellular matrix organization, proteinaceous extracellular matrix, and Wnt-protein binding. IPA analysis showed that canonical pathways, such as FXR/RXR activation, adipogenesis pathway, and LXR/RXR activation, were involved in regulating osteogenic differentiation of ASCs. A total of three subnetworks and 39 nodes were identified with PPI network and MCODE plugin. Moreover, suppression of one central node gene FOXO1 inhibited the osteogenic differentiation of ASCs. Our study provides a registry of genes and pathways that play important roles in regulating osteogenic differentiation of ASCs, which might have potential therapeutic applications in bone regeneration and bone tissue engineering.

Priming integrin alpha 5 promotes the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells due to cytoskeleton and cell cycle changes

To seek a potential target for periodontal tissue regeneration, this study aimed to explore the role of Integrin alpha 5 (ITGA5) in human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). Transwell assay, Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) assay, cell cycle assay, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, alizarin red staining, and western blot were used to investigate the effects of ITGA5 on PDLSC migration, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. The in vivo effect was investigated by nude mice subcutaneous transplantation with cell and hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate (HA/β-TCP) complex. The involved mechanism was explored by the iTRAQ proteomic technique and validated by western blot and immunofluorescence. We found that ITGA5forced expression enhanced the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic capacity of PDLSCs, while inhibited ITGA5 expression had the opposite effects. The phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (MEK1/2/ERK1/2) were crucial in this process. Forced expression of ITGA5 in PDLSCs increased osteoid and PDL-like tissue formation in vivo. Proteomic and bioinformatic analysis revealed that cytoskeleton and cell cycle changes were involved. Keratin, type II cytoskeletal 6B (KRT6B) and desmin (DES) may distinguish this process and serve as new markers of PDLSC differentiation.

SIGNIFICANCE

Periodontitis is highly prevalent and can impair PDL and teeth functioning. One of the most promising therapies to periodontitis therapies is PDL regeneration by utilizing PDLSCs. While many obstacles remain to be resolved, the regulation of PDLSC osteogenic differentiation is a main concern. The present study demonstrated the potential clinical value of an ITGA5 priming peptide, which may be utilized in PDL tissue repair and regeneration. The mechanism elucidated in this study would help to fuel its application.

Comparative proteomic profiling of human dental pulp stem cells and periodontal ligament stem cells under in vitro osteogenic induction

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the proteomic profiling of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) under in vitro osteogenic induction, which imitates the microenvironment during osteo-/odontogenesis of DPSCs and PDLSCs.

DESIGN

The proteomic profiles of osteoinduced DPSCs and PDLSCs from a single donor were compared using the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technique and subsequent bioinformatics analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 159 differentially expressed proteins in PDLSCs and DPSCs were identified, 82 of which had a higher expression level in PDLSCs, while 77 were more highly expressed in DPSCs. Among these enriched proteins, certain members from the collagen, heat shock protein and protein S100 families may distinguish osteoinduced PDLSCs and DPSCs. Gene ontology (GO) classification revealed that a large number of the enriched terms distinguishing PDLSCs and DPSCs are involved in catalytic activity, protein binding, regulation of protein metabolic processes and response to stimulus. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis indicated several involved pathways, including the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis pathway, arachidonic acid metabolism pathway and PPAR signaling pathway. Further verification showed that the mineralization and migration capacities of PDLSCs were greater than those of DPSCs, in which heat shock protein beta-1, Protein S100-A10 and S100-A11 may play a part.

CONCLUSIONS

Less than 5% of the differentially expressed proteins make up the comparative proteomic profile between osteoinduced PDLSCs and DPSCs. This study helps to characterize the differences between osteoinduced PDLSCs and DPSCs in vitro.

The Critical Role of Long Noncoding RNA in Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Objective. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been demonstrated to regulate many biological processes including differentiation. However, their role in osteogenic differentiation was poorly known. Materials and Methods. In this study, we first globally profiled the differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs during osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs). Bioinformatics analysis was performed to further analyze these significantly changed molecules. Then the role of lncRNA ENST00000502125.2 in the osteogenic differentiation was determined. Results. A number of lncRNAs and mRNAs were significantly differentially expressed during hBMMSC osteogenic differentiation. Among them, 433 lncRNAs and 956 mRNAs were continuously upregulated, while 232 lncRNAs and 229 mRNAs were continuously downregulated. Gene Ontology and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analysis showed that carbohydrate derivative binding and complement and coagulation cascades were most correlated molecular function and pathway, respectively. Downregulation of lncRNA ENST00000502125.2 promoted the osteogenic differentiation of hBMMSCs, and opposite results were found when lncRNA ENST00000502125.2 was upregulated. Conclusions. lncRNAs play a critical role in the osteogenic differentiation of hBMMSCs and targeting lncRNA ENST00000502125.2 might be a promising strategy to promote osteogenic differentiation.

prdm1a functions upstream of itga5 in zebrafish craniofacial development

Cranial neural crest cells are specified and migrate into the pharyngeal arches where they subsequently interact with the surrounding environment. Signaling and transcription factors, such as prdm1a regulate this interaction, but it remains unclear which specific factors are required for posterior pharyngeal arch development. Previous analysis suggests that prdm1a is required for posterior ceratobranchial cartilages in zebrafish and microarray analysis between wildtype and prdm1a mutants at 25 h post fertilization demonstrated that integrin α5 (itga5) is differentially expressed in prdm1a mutants. Here, we further investigate the interaction between prdm1a and itga5 in zebrafish craniofacial development. In situ hybridization for itga5 demonstrates that expression of itga5 is decreased in prdm1a mutants between 18 and 31 h post fertilization and itga5 expression overlaps with prdm1a in the posterior arches, suggesting a temporal window for interaction. Double mutants for prdm1a;itga5 have an additive viscerocranium phenotype more similar to prdm1a mutants, suggesting that prdm1a acts upstream of itga5. Consistent with this, loss of posterior pharyngeal arch expression of dlx2a, ceratobranchial cartilages 2-5, and cell proliferation in prdm1a mutants can be rescued with itga5 mRNA injection. Taken together, these data suggest that prdm1a acts upstream of itga5 and are both necessary for posterior pharyngeal arch development in zebrafish.

Effects of WNT10A on proliferation and differentiation of human dental pulp cells

INTRODUCTION

Wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 10A (WNT10A) plays crucial roles in odontogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of WNT10A on human dental pulp cells (DPCs), which contain a mixed population of cells, including stem and progenitor cells, and participate in dentin repair or dentin-pulp regeneration.

METHODS

Healthy human premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons were used as a study model. The expression of WNT10A protein in dental pulp was determined by immunohistochemistry. The messenger RNA expression of WNT10A and Wnt-related genes was analyzed by semiquantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. DPCs were enzymatically separated from pulp tissues, cultured, and passaged. The biological effects of WNT10A on DPCs were investigated using recombinant lentivirus encoding WNT10A complementary DNA. WNT10A-induced changes in DPC proliferation were assessed by methyltetrazolium assay and flow cytometry. In order to determine the effects of WNT10A on DPC differentiation, the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an early marker of odontoblastic differentiation, was assessed using an ALP activity assay kit, and the expression levels of odontoblast-specific genes, including DSPP, DMP1, ALP, and COL1A1, were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.

RESULTS

WNT10A protein was clearly identified in the cytoplasm of DPCs. Semiquantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction indicated the expression of WNT10A and Wnt-related genes in pulp tissues as well as in passaging DPCs. Lentiviral overexpression of WNT10A enhanced proliferation of DPCs and down-regulated ALP activity and the expression of odontoblast-specific genes.

CONCLUSIONS

WNT10A promotes the proliferation of DPCs and negatively regulates their odontoblastic differentiation.