A 165 kDa membrane antigen mediating fibronectin-vinculin interaction is involved in murine odontoblast differentiation

Decellularized Dental Pulp, Extracellular Vesicles, and 5-Azacytidine: A New Tool for Endodontic Regeneration

Dental pulp is a major component of the dental body that serves to maintain the tooth life and function. The aim of the present work was to develop a system that functions as a growth-permissive microenvironment for dental pulp regeneration using a decellularized dental pulp (DDP) matrix, 5-Aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-Aza), and Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) derived from human Dental Pulp Stem Cells (hDPSCs). Human dental pulps extracted from healthy teeth, scheduled to be removed for orthodontic purpose, were decellularized and then recellularized with hDPSCs. The hDPSCs were seeded on DDP and maintained under different culture conditions: basal medium (CTRL), EVs, 5-Aza, and EVs+-5-Aza. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analyses were performed to evaluate the proteins’ expression related to dentinogenesis, such as ALP, RUNX2, COL1A1, Vinculin, DMP1, and DSPP. Protein contents found in the DDP recellularized with hDPSCs were highly expressed in samples co-treated with EVs and 5-Aza compared to other culture conditions. This study developed a DDP matrix loaded by hDPSCs in co-treatment with EVs, which might enhance the dentinogenic differentiation with a high potentiality for endodontic regeneration.

Extracellular Matrix Derived From Dental Pulp Stem Cells Promotes Mineralization

Background: Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal role in many physiological processes. ECM macromolecules and associated factors differ according to tissues, impact cell differentiation, and tissue homeostasis. Dental pulp ECM may differ from other oral tissues and impact mineralization. Thus, the present study aimed to identify the matrisome of ECM proteins derived from human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and its ability to regulate mineralization even in cells which do not respond to assaults by mineralization, the human gingival fibroblasts (GF).

Methods: ECM were extracted from DPSCs cultured in normal growth medium supplemented with L-ascorbic acid (N-ECM) or in osteogenic induction medium (OM-ECM). ECM decellularization (dECM) was performed using 0.5% triton X-100 in 20 mM ammonium hydroxide after 21 days. Mass spectrometry and proteomic analysis identified and quantified matrisome proteins.

Results: The dECM contained ECM proteins but lacked cellular components and mineralization. Interestingly, collagens (COL6A1, COL6A2, and COL6A3) and elastic fibers (FBN1, FBLN2, FN1, and HSPG2) were significantly represented in N-ECM, while annexins (ANXA1, ANXA4, ANXA5, ANXA6, ANXA7, and ANXA11) were significantly overdetected in OM-ECM. GF were reseeded on N-dECM and OM-dECM and cultured in normal or osteogenic medium. GF were able to attach and proliferate on N-dECM and OM-dECM. Both dECM enhanced mineralization of GF at day 14 compared to tissue culture plate (TCP). In addition, OM-dECM promoted higher mineralization of GF than N-dECM although cultured in growth medium.

Conclusions: ECM derived from DPSCs proved to be osteoinductive, and this knowledge supported cell-derived ECM can be further utilized for tissue engineering of mineralized tissues.

Reparative dentinogenesis induced by mineral trioxide aggregate: a review from the biological and physicochemical points of view

This paper aims to review the biological and physicochemical properties of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) with respect to its ability to induce reparative dentinogenesis, which involves complex cellular and molecular events leading to hard-tissue repair by newly differentiated odontoblast-like cells. Compared with that of calcium hydroxide-based materials, MTA is more efficient at inducing reparative dentinogenesis in vivo. The available literature suggests that the action of MTA is attributable to the natural wound healing process of exposed pulps, although MTA can stimulate hard-tissue-forming cells to induce matrix formation and mineralization in vitro. Physicochemical analyses have revealed that MTA not only acts as a "calcium hydroxide-releasing" material, but also interacts with phosphate-containing fluids to form apatite precipitates. MTA also shows better sealing ability and structural stability, but less potent antimicrobial activity compared with that of calcium hydroxide. The clinical outcome of direct pulp capping and pulpotomy with MTA appears quite favorable, although the number of controled prospective studies is still limited. Attempts are being conducted to improve the properties of MTA by the addition of setting accelerators and the development of new calcium silicate-based materials.

TM14 is a new member of the fibulin family (fibulin-7) that interacts with extracellular matrix molecules and is active for cell binding

We identified a new extracellular protein, TM14, by differential hybridization using mouse tooth germ cDNA microarrays. TM14 cDNA encodes 440 amino acids containing a signal peptide. The protein contains 3 EGF modules at the center, a C-terminal domain homologous to the fibulin module, and a unique Sushi domain at the N terminus. In situ hybridization revealed that TM14 mRNA was expressed by preodontoblasts and odontoblasts in developing teeth. TM14 mRNA was also expressed in cartilage, hair follicles, and extraembryonic tissues of the placenta. Immunostaining revealed that TM14 was localized at the apical pericellular regions of preodontoblasts. When the dentin matrix was fully formed and dentin mineralization occurred, TM14 was present in the predentin matrix and along the dentinal tubules. We found that the recombinant TM14 protein was glycosylated with N-linked oligosaccharides and interacted with heparin, fibronectin, fibulin-1, and dentin sialophosphoprotein. We also found that TM14 preferentially bound dental mesenchyme cells and odontoblasts but not dental epithelial cells or nondental cells such as HeLa, COS7, or NIH3T3 cells. Heparin, EDTA, and anti-integrin beta1 antibody inhibited TM14 binding to dental mesenchyme cells, suggesting that both a heparan sulfate-containing cell surface receptor and an integrin are involved in TM14 cell binding. Our findings indicate that TM14 is a cell adhesion molecule that interacts with extracellular matrix molecules in teeth and suggest that TM14 plays important roles in both the differentiation and maintenance of odontoblasts as well as in dentin formation. Because of its protein characteristics, TM14 can be classified as a new member of the fibulin family: fibulin-7.

FGF-2 potently induces both proliferation and DSP expression in collagen type I gel cultures of adult incisor immature pulp cells

We investigated the effects of both cytokines and extracellular matrices on the proliferation and differentiation of immature adult rat incisor dental pulp cells. These immature cells, which have a high-proliferative potency in vitro and do not express mRNAs for dentin non-collagenous proteins such as dentin sialoprotein (DSP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and osteocalcin, exist in the root regions of adult rat incisors. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) stimulated the proliferation of these immature cells and the subsequent production of mineralized calcium was induced by beta-glycerophosphate treatment. Additionally, FGF-2 dramatically induced the expression of DSP and BSP mRNAs, but only in collagen type I gel cultures, whereas neither plate-coated collagen type I nor fibronectin, laminin or collagen type IV cultures could produce this effect and generate sufficient physiological levels of these transcripts. Although bone morphogenetic protein-4 could not induce the proliferation of immature dental pulp cells nor upregulate DSP mRNA expression, it had a synergistic effect upon DSP transcript levels in conjunction with FGF-2. These results suggest that both the presence of FGF-2 and the three-dimensional formation of immature dental pulp cells in collagen type I gel cultures are essential for both DSP expression and odontoblast differentiation. These observations provide valuable information concerning the study of the commitment and differentiation of odontoblast lineages, and also provide a basis for the rational design of cytokine and extracellular matrix based compounds for regenerative therapies in new dental treatments.

Epigenetic signals during odontoblast differentiation

Odontoblast terminal differentiation occurs according to a tooth-specific pattern and implies both temporospatially regulated epigenetic signaling and the expression of specific competence. Differentiation of odontoblasts (withdrawal from the cell cycle, cytological polarization, and secretion of predentin/dentin) is controlled by the inner dental epithelium, and the basement membrane (BM) plays a major role both as a substrate and as a reservoir of paracrine molecules. Cytological differentiation implies changes in the organization of the cytoskeleton and is controlled by cytoskeleton-plasma membrane-extracellular matrix interactions. Fibronectin is re-distributed during odontoblast polarization and interacts with cell-surface molecules. A non-integrin 165-kDa fibronectin-binding protein, transiently expressed by odontoblasts, is involved in microfilament reorganization. Growth factors (TGF beta 1, 2, 3/BMP2, 4, and 6), expressed in tooth germs, signal differentiation. Systemically derived molecules (IGF1) may also intervene. IGF1 stimulates cytological but not functional differentiation of odontoblasts: The two events can thus be separated. Immobilized TGF beta 1 (combined with heparin) induced odontoblast differentiation. Only immobilized TGF beta 1 and 3 or a combination of FGF1 and TGF beta 1 stimulated the differentiation of functional odontoblasts over extended areas and allowed for maintenance of gradients of differentiation. Presentation of active molecules in vitro appeared to be of major importance; the BM should fulfill this role in vivo by immobilizing and spatially presenting TGF beta s. Attempts are being made to investigate the mechanisms which spatially control the initiation of odontoblast differentiation and those which regulate its propagation. Analysis of molar development suggested that odontoblast differentiation and crown morphogenesis are interdependent, although the possibility of co-regulation requires further investigation.

Odontoblast commitment and differentiation

Histological and cytological organization confer specificity to the odontoblasts. These postmitotic, neural crest derived, polarized cells are aligned in a single layer at the periphery of the dental pulp and secrete the organic components of predentin-dentin. The developmental history of these cells demands a cascade of epigenetic signalling events comprising the acquisition of odontogenic potential by neural crest cells, their patterning in the developing jaws, the initiation of odontogenesis through interaction with the oral epithelium, commitment, and tooth-specific spatial distribution of competent preodontoblasts able to overtly differentiate. Recent experimental investigations are critically summarized, many open questions are stressed, and current hypotheses concerning the control of terminal odontoblast differentiation are outlined.Key words: odontoblast, neural crest, oral ectoderm, differentiation.

Distribution of transforming growth factor beta1-binding proteins and low-affinity receptors during odontoblast differentiation in the mouse

Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) was immunolocalized within differentiated odontoblasts and ameloblasts while LAP-beta1 was detected at the apicol pole of odonotoblasts and ameloblasts and in predentine. Anti-LAP-beta1 antibodies also stained the epithelial-mesenchymal junction (EMJ). Decorin was immunolocalized in young functional odonotoblasts and in both predentine and dentine. Biglycan was similarly distributed but absent from dentine. Immunostaining with anti-latent TGF-beta1 binding protein-1 (LTBP-1) showed fibrillar structures located at the EMJ and between predontoblasts and odontoblasts; at older states staining was restricted to the dental papilla and sac. Thus differentiated odonotoblasts express TGF-beta1 and in a more restricted manner decorin, biglycan and LAP-beta1; it can be assumed that TGF-beta1 is able to interact with the three molecules present in predentine. Earlier, LTBP-1 and LAP-beta1, both present at the EMJ, may contribute to odontoblast differentiation.

The genetic control of early tooth development

Most vertebrate organs begin their initial formation by a common, developmentally conserved pattern of inductive tissue interactions between two tissues. The developing tooth germ is a prototype for such inductive tissue interactions and provides a powerful experimental system for elucidation of the genetic pathways involved in organogenesis. Members of the Msx homeobox gene family are expressed at sites of epithelial-mesenchymal interaction during embryogenesis, including the tooth. The important role that Msx genes play in tooth development is exemplified by mice lacking Msx gene function. Msxl-deficient mice exhibit an arrest in tooth development at the bud stage, while Msx2-deficient mice exhibit late defects in tooth development. The co-expression of Msx, Bmp, Lefl, and Activin beta A genes and the coincidence of tooth phenotypes in the various knockout mice suggest that these genes reside within a common genetic pathway. Results summarized here indicate that Msxl is required for the transmission of Bmp4 expression from dental epithelium to mesenchyme and also for Lefl expression. In addition, we consider the role of other signaling molecules in the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions leading to tooth formation, the role that transcription factors such as Msx play in the propagation of inductive signals, and the role of extracellular matrix. Last, as a unifying mechanism to explain the disparate tooth phenotypes in Msxl- and Msx2-deficient mice, we propose that later steps in tooth morphogenesis molecularly resemble those in early tooth development.

Inability of calcium hydroxide to induce reparative dentinogenesis at non-peripheral sites of dog dental pulp

The ability of 2 calcium hydroxide-containing materials to induce initiation of reparative dentinogenesis was tested at sites remote from the dentinogenically-active regions of the pulp periphery. Pieces of the cements, Dycal and Life, were implanted in central parenchymal sites of dog dental pulps for periods of 6, 14 and 42 days, respectively. Similar pieces were placed in peripheral capping sites as controls. The responses were analyzed by light and transmission electron microscopy. Induction of tubular dentin matrix lined with elongated and polarized odontoblast-like cells was only seen at peripheral capping sites. In response to the centrally implanted cements, only atubular hard tissue with lining fibroblast-like cells was deposited.

Immunolocalization of fibronectin during reparative dentinogenesis in human teeth after pulp capping with calcium hydroxide

Exposed dental pulp is known to possess the ability to form a hard-tissue barrier (dentin bridge). The exact mechanisms by which pulp cells differentiate into odontoblasts in this process are unknown. Fibronectin has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in odontoblast differentiation during tooth development. This study tested the hypothesis that fibronectin is involved in the initial stages of replacement odontoblast differentiation and reparative dentin formation. We observed its immunohistochemical localization during dentin bridge formation in human teeth, after pulp was capped with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2]. One day after the capping, precipitation of crystalline structures was observed at the TEM level in association with cell debris at the interface between the superficial necrotic zone and underlying pulp tissue. This layer of dystrophic calcification showed positive reaction for fibronectin, and pulp cells appeared to be closely associated with this layer, seven to ten days post-operatively. At 14 days, an alignment of cells, some of which were elongated and odontoblast-like, was observed adjacent to the fibronectin-positive irregular matrix. Between the cells, corkscrew fiber-like fluorescence was visible. At 28 days, the irregular fibrous matrix was followed by the formation of tubular dentin-like matrix lined with odontoblast-like cells. Therefore, it would seem that fibronectin associated with the initially formed calcified layer might play a mediating role in the differentiation of pulp cells into odontoblasts during reparative dentinogenesis, after pulp was capped with Ca(OH)2.

Spatial distribution of enamel proteins and fibronectin at early stages of rat incisor tooth formation

Enamel proteins are secreted very early during amelogenesis, that is prior to mantle dentine formation, raising the possibility that they may participate in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions taking place during tooth development. These first enamel proteins associate with elements of the basement membrane interposed between the differentiating ameloblasts and odontoblasts. Fibronectin, a component of the basement membrane, is redistributed and accumulates along the apical portion of odontoblasts during their terminal differentiation. In order to determine whether any correlation exists between the redistribution of fibronectin and the secretion of the first enamel proteins, the spatial distribution of these two extracellular matrix proteins was examined during the presecretory stage of amelogenesis. Male Wistar rats were perfused with a formaldehyde-based fixative, and undemineralized and EDTA demineralized incisors were dehydrated in methanol and embedded in Lowicryl K4M resin. Ultrathin tissue sections were then processed for post-embedding, colloidal-gold immunocytochemistry with antibodies to enamel proteins, fibronectin or type III collagen. In the region of ameloblasts facing pulp, labelling for fibronectin was weak and mostly associated with the lamina fibroreticularis of the basement membrane separating differentiating ameloblasts and odontoblasts. As the mantle predentine formed the immunoreaction for fibronectin increased, particularly in the region of the basement membrane. Enamel proteins were also immunodetected in association with the lamina fibroreticularis and gradually accumulated as patches within mantle dentine and at its interface with ameloblasts. Von Korff collagen bundles, present between odontoblasts and in dentine, were immunolabelled for fibronectin and for type III collagen. Patches of granular material, immunoreactive for fibronectin and/or enamel proteins, were found along the odontoblastic processes and cell bodies. Although no evidence was obtained indicating a precise colocalization of fibronectin and enamel proteins, the results confirm that these two proteins can be found within similar extracellular compartments during mantle predentine-dentine formation. These data suggest that enamel proteins, by themselves or synergistically with other proteins, may play a part in the differentiation and/or formative events taking place at the ameloblast-odontoblast interface during the early stages of tooth development.

Immunocytochemical localization of fibronectin and a 165-kDa membrane protein in the odontoblast layer under initial carious lesions in man

The possible role of fibronectin in dental tissue repair was investigated by comparing its distribution and that of the 165-kDa fibronectin-binding membrane protein (165 kDa-FnBP) in odontoblasts underlying carious and sound dentine. By immunoperoxidase and light microscopy, fibronectin was localized in the dentine underlying the carious lesion, mainly on the surface of the tubule walls, whereas it could not be detected in neighbouring sound zones. The antibody to the 165 kDa-FnBP strongly reacted with the membrane of odontoblasts underlying the lesion, although those facing sound dentine did not express this antigen. Ultrastructurally the 165 kDa-FnBP was localized in the cell membrane at the apical portion of odontoblasts, including the process membrane, beneath the initial lesion; fibronectin was detected in the dentinal area close to the process, and also in contact with its external surface. By a high-resolution immunogold procedure, the proteins were colocalized at the external surface of odontoblast processes. These data suggest that fibronectin present in human carious dentine could modulate the behaviour of underlying odontoblasts by means of newly expressed 165 kDa-FnBP.

Expression of basement membrane type IV collagen and type IV collagenases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) in human fetal teeth

Formation and degradation of dental basement membrane (BM) are important for tooth development. Data on the expression of genes for type IV collagen (the major structural component of the BM) and type IV collagenases [MMP-2 (72 kDa) and MMP-9 (92 kDa)], enzymes that degrade type IV collagen during human tooth development, are lacking. We studied expression of type IV collagen and the MMP-2 and MMP-9 in human fetal teeth (from the 13th to the 20th gestational weeks, covering cap stage through early hard tissue formation). During cap and bell stages, in situ hybridization located transcripts for alpha 1 type IV collagen chain in the fibroblasts surrounding the enamel organ. No alpha 1 type IV collagen chain mRNA was detected in tooth germ epithelium or dental papilla. However, type IV collagen immunoreactivity was observed in BM underlying the dental epithelium up to the appositional stage. Transcripts for MMP-2 were located mostly in the cells of the dental papilla and follicle. Transient expression of MMP-2 mRNA was observed in the inner enamel epithelium of late cap/early bell-stage teeth. During early apposition, a high level of MMP-2 was confined to secretory odontoblasts. Transcripts for MMP-9 were detected by the sensitive reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in developing teeth. Thus, in dental BM, alpha 1 type IV collagen chain may be of mesenchymal cell origin. Further, MMP-2 but not MMP-9 may participate in remodeling and degradation of BM during human tooth morphogenesis.

Immunoelectron-microscopic study of the localization of fibronectin in the odontoblast layer of human teeth

Indirect immunofluorescence-based studies have shown similarities in the distribution patterns of fibronectin-positive fibrous structures and so-called von Korff fibres. The aim of the present study was to analyse the reactivity of fibronectin in the odontoblast layer of fully developed human teeth by means of immunoelectron microscopy. Between the odontoblasts, discrete and undulatory fibrillar fascicles with peroxidase labelling were observed. They seemed to be in contact with odontoblasts in some areas, while in others they appeared to be intervening between two neighbouring odontoblasts. Higher magnifications of the fibrillar material demonstrated axial periodic staining of about 70 nm. Peroxidase reaction of fibronectin was also recognized along the cell membrane of odontoblasts facing predentine. The fibronectin in fibrillar fascicles observed between odontoblasts would be held in place by the direct molecular interaction with collagen fibrils and contribute to the pulpward migration of these cells and maintenance of their specific morphology. At the distal end of odontoblasts, a tight seal would be maintained by means of odontoblast-fibronectin adhesion.

Immunolocalization of fibronectin during the early response of dog dental pulp to demineralized dentine or calcium hydroxide-containing cement

The role of fibronectin during the events initiating the post-developmental histogenesis of dentine was investigated by exposing the pulp to implants of autogenous demineralized dentine or calcium hydroxide-containing cement for short periods. Implants exposed for 3 days were processed for immunoelectron-microscopic analysis of fibronectin adsorption on to their surfaces. The localization of fibronectin in the critical area of interaction was examined by immunofluorescence 6, 14 and 21 days after implantation. Heavy adsorption of fibronectin on to the dentine implants and the crystalline structures that had been deposited on the cement implants was demonstrated. Positive fluorescence was consistently seen around dentine implants. Strongly immunopositive fibroblast-like cells and weakly reactive, differentiating odontoblast-like cells were found in association with the implanted matrix. Uncalcified matrix secreted by the polarized or non-polarized cells was consistently rich in fibronectin. Fibroblast-like cells exhibiting intense immunoreaction only at 14 and 21 days were mainly associated with the crystalline precipitates on the cement surfaces or within the surrounding pulp. The findings indicate that the specific inductive effects of demineralized dentine on pulp cells are initiated by exposure of the pulp to a fibronectin-containing surface; adhesion of pulp cells and synthesis of a fibronectin-rich matrix characterize the development of new dentine. The reparative response to non-specific inductive influences such as calcium hydroxide seems to be mediated by progressive enhancement of fibronectin synthesis in pulp cells.

ED-A region-containing isoform of cellular fibronectin is present in dentin matrix in dentinogenesis imperfecta associated with osteogenesis imperfecta

To elucidate the defective dentin formation in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), we analyzed the expression of selected fibronectin (FN) isoforms in the dentin matrix of a patient with dentinogenesis imperfecta (DI) associated with OI, and in normal teeth. Frozen tooth sections were immunostained with three monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). The MAb recognizing the major cell-binding region (f-33), shared by plasma FN (pFN) and cellular FN (cFN), stained the pulp of normal adult permanent teeth intensely, while no reactivity was present in predentin, (demineralized) dentin, or dental cementum. The periodontal ligament stained unevenly. The dentin matrix of the patient with OI displayed reactive zones, alternating layerwise or concentrically with non-reactive ones. Staining throughout the connective tissue of adult oral mucosa, analyzed for the form of FN present, was intense, and in dermis, which was also studied, it was moderate. Reactivities in dental tissues with the MAb specific for the ED-A region (IST-9), included in cFN but not pFN, were similar to those with MAb f-33. The mucosal connective tissue stained weakly and dermis was negative, except that nerves and endothelia of some large blood vessels stained clearly. The MAb specific for the ED-B segment (BC-1), also included in cFN only, did not stain any of the tissues analyzed. The results suggest that, unlike mucosal and dermal FNs, FNs in the dental tissues are largely cellular, and also that dentin formation in OI may be completed by successive generations of pulpal fibroblasts differentiated into hard-tissue-forming cells.

A confocal laser scanning microscopic study of the immunofluorescent localization of fibronectin in the odontoblast layer of human teeth

The distribution of fibronectin in dental pulp was studied in developing and developed human teeth by indirect immunofluorescence using a confocal laser scanning microscope. In the apical region of developing teeth, intense fluorescence was found along the basement membrane facing the mesenchyme of Hertwig's epithelial sheath and first-formed (mantle) predentine. With further elongation of odontoblasts, fibronectin was observed between the cells, appearing as corkscrew fibres passing from the pulp into predentine parallel to the long axis of the odontoblasts. In the coronal region of developing and developed teeth a similar distribution of fibronectin was observed in the odontoblast layer. At the border zone between odontoblasts and predentine the reaction was intense, but was weak in the predentine itself. In the calcified dentinal matrix it had disappeared completely, except for the area along the dentinal tubules. The results demonstrate that fibronectin is present in the odontoblast layer during all stages of dentinogenesis. Fibronectin-positive fibrous structures between odontoblasts probably correspond to von Korff fibres, and are closely related to odontoblast differentiation and dentinogenesis.

Mechanisms controlling secondary initiation of dentinogenesis: a review

Dentinogenesis can be initiated secondarily as an intrinsic ability of the dental pulp to repair, or after interaction of pulp cells with specific exogenous inductive factors. In the present article the basic developmental aspects, highlighting the mechanism by which dentinogenesis is initiated during tooth development, are discussed. Furthermore, clinical and experimental observations concerning the events taking place during secondary initiation of dentine formation, as part of exposed or non-exposed pulp tissue repair, or as a result of dentine matrix or other chemical-pulp cell interactions, are reviewed. Discussion includes hypotheses relating to the crucial biological steps leading to expression of odontoblastic-like cell phenotype and secondary initiation of dentine histogenesis.

Absence of interaction between the 165-kDa fibronectin-binding protein involved in mouse odontoblast differentiation and vinculin

Previous data suggested that matrix could control the organization of microfilaments in differentiating odontoblasts and that this process involved a complex of fibronectin-165-kDa membrane protein-vinculin. The use of two different gel systems and microsequence analysis demonstrated that two distinct 165-kDa proteins interact, one with fibronectin and the other with vinculin.

Association between the expression of murine 72 kDa type IV collagenase by odontoblasts and basement membrane degradation during mouse tooth development

In situ hybridization was used to study the expression of the 72 kDa type IV collagenase gene and its association with morphogenesis and cell differentiation during advancing mouse tooth development. The epithelia were completely negative during all developmental stages. The dental mesenchyme was uniformly positive during the early stages of tooth morphogenesis, and no association of type IV collagenase with morphogenetic events was observed. However, at the bell stage the expression increased in differentiating preodontoblasts. Expression was intense in the odontoblasts during secretion of the first predentine matrix. The expression was, however, transient; it decreased around the time when mineralization of dentine started until it completely ceased. Transcripts for 72 kDa type IV collagenase also gradually disappeared from the dental pulp. The expression of 72 kDa type IV collagenase was also strong in the osteoblastic cell lineage. The preosteoblasts at the beginning of the formation of mandibular bone as well as the osteoblasts of the alveolar bone expressed more 72 kDa type IV collagenase than did other mesenchymal cells. The increased gene expression in the odontoblasts correlates with the disappearance of the dental basement membrane as shown by immunolabelling with antibodies against type IV collagen. The onset of increased expression in the odontoblasts preceded the disappearance of the basement membrane and at the time when type IV collagenase transcripts were lost from all odontoblasts the basement membrane was completely removed. It can be speculated that during early stages of tooth development the 72 kDa type IV collagenase acts as a gelatinase whereas during later stages, when odontoblasts and ameloblasts differentiate and the deposition of predentine and enamel matrix is initiated, the enzyme may act as a type IV collagenase and contribute to the degradation of the dental basement membrane.

Dentinogenic activity of allogenic plasma fibronectin on dog dental pulp

The response of ectomesenchymal cells of dog dental pulp to implantation of Millipore filters supplemented with bovine plasma fibronectin was evaluated after observation periods of one or four weeks. Two concentrations of plasma fibronectin were used (0.2 and 1 mg/mL). Experiments also included implants treated with control solutions (PBS or 1 mg/mL of dog albumin). Formation of a layer of elongated, polarized cells was demonstrated in direct contact with the implants treated with 1 mg/mL of plasma fibronectin solution, after one week post-operatively. Microfilamentous organization and orientation of rough endoplasmic reticulum was observed mainly in the supranuclear zone of the polarized cells. Implants treated with the same solution were consistently surrounded by a thick layer of dentinal matrix after four weeks of their exposure to pulp sites. Implants treated with control solutions or with the low concentration of fibronectin never showed any sign of cell polarization and matrix synthesis. These data provide evidence that the pulp cells can express their odontoblastic phenotype in response to a surface containing concentrated fibronectin (even allogenic), without the need of other molecules as exogenous inductive factors.

The carboxy-terminal extension of the collagen binding domain of fibronectin mediates interaction with a 165 kDa membrane protein involved in odontoblast differentiation

Terminal differentiation of the odontoblast is characterized by an elongation and a polarization of the cell. The change in the cell shape and the reorganization of the cytoplasm involve the microfilament system. An immunological approach has previously implicated a transmembrane interaction between fibronectin and vinculin in the control of odontoblast differentiation. A 165 kDa protein localized on the cell-surface of odontoblasts mediated this interaction. In order to define the nature of the interaction of the 165 kDa protein with fibronectin, peptides were prepared by proteolytic cleavage of fibronectin with alpha-chymotrypsin. The results indicate that the 165 kDa protein interacted with a 62 kDa peptide located towards the amino-terminal extremity of fibronectin, but not with a 47 kDa related fragment. Both these 62 kDa and 47 kDa peptides included the collagen-binding domain and were retarded on a heparin-Ultrogel column. Microsequences demonstrated that the 62 kDa and 47 kDa fragments had the same amino-terminal extremity and that the larger fragment was extended in the carboxy-terminal direction. This carboxy-terminal extension of the collagen binding domain of fibronectin is implicated in the interaction of this molecule with the 165 kDa protein. On the other hand, odontoblasts differentiated normally when tooth germs were cultured in the presence of GRGDS synthetic peptide, suggesting that RGD-dependent integrins were not involved in odontoblast differentiation. Staining of dental mesenchymal cells in primary culture and of differentiated odontoblasts in situ with antibodies directed against the beta 1-subunit of integrins confirmed previous observations and showed that although beta 1 integrins are involved in the attachment of cultured dental cells, they are not implicated in the process of odontoblast differentiation.

Short-term dentinogenic response of dog dental pulp tissue after its induction by demineralized or native dentine, or predentine

The events initiating the expression of odontoblastic potential by pulpal ectomesenchymal cells were investigated by exposing the pulp to demineralized, native and unmineralized autogenous dentine. The pulp responses to implants were histologically evaluated 3, 7 and 10 days postoperatively, while the surface structure of the newly mineralized matrices was examined 12 and 28 days after implantation. Differentiation of odontoblast-like cells in close proximity to the implanted matrix was consistently demonstrated after exposure to predentine. Scattered columnal cells undergoing polarization, characterized ultrastructurally by the orientation of their rough endoplasmic reticulum, were also found in direct contact with the demineralized dentine. However, in response to demineralized implants, groups of differentiated odontoblast-like cells were clearly seen only in association with a zone of matrix secreted in a polar, predentine-like pattern, indicating an asynchronous inductive influence of this type of implant on pulp cells. Further, the response of pulp cells to native dentine was characterized by the elaboration of a two-layered matrix (a fibrous and a polarly deposited matrix) before initiation of secondary dentinogenesis. Scanning electron microscopy of the newly deposited matrices revealed differences between the indirect matrix synthesis, observed in short-term response to implants of demineralized or native dentine, and the specific, dentinogenic function of the odontoblast-like cells. These observations indicate that the dentine-induced dentinogenesis is initiated by two mechanisms--direct induction of odontoblast-like cells as well as indirect matrix synthesis, which further controls cell polarization. Immobilization of the cells on implanted matrix seems to be the critical requirement for direct expression of the odontoblastic phenotype.