Osteogenic Gene Expression by Human Periodontal Ligament Cells under Cyclic Tension

• Published in: Journal of dental research Vol. 86; no. 12; pp. 1212 - 1216
• Main Authors: Wescott, D.C., Pinkerton, M.N., Gaffey, B.J., Beggs, K.T., Milne, T.J., Meikle, M.C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States SAGE Publications 01.12.2007; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Alkaline Phosphatase - genetics; Alkaline Phosphatase - metabolism; Alveolar Process - physiology; Bicuspid; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins - genetics; Bone Morphogenetic Proteins - metabolism; Cells, Cultured; Dentistry; Gene Expression Regulation - physiology; Humans; Osteoblasts - metabolism; Osteogenesis - physiology; Periodontal Ligament - cytology; Periodontal Ligament - metabolism; Protein Array Analysis; Stress, Mechanical; Tensile Strength; Tooth Movement Techniques; Transcription Factors - genetics; Transcription Factors - metabolism; periodontal ligament cells; osteogenic genes; mechanical strain; RT-PCR array
• ISSN: 0022-0345; 1544-0591
• DOI: 10.1177/154405910708601214

The forces that orthodontic appliances apply to the teeth are transmitted through the periodontal ligament (PDL) to the supporting alveolar bone, leading to the deposition or resorption of bone, depending upon whether the tissues are exposed to a tensile or compressive mechanical strain. To evaluate the osteogenic potential of PDL cells, we applied a 12% uni-axial cyclic tensile strain to cultured human PDL cells and analyzed the differential expression of 78 genes implicated in osteoblast differentiation and bone metabolism by real-time RT-PCR array technology. Sixteen genes showed statistically significant changes in expression in response to alterations in their mechanical environment, including cell adhesion molecules and collagen fiber types. Genes linked to the osteoblast phenotype that were up-regulated included BMP2, BMP6, ALP, SOX9, MSX1, and VEGFA; those down-regulated included BMP4 and EGF. This study has expanded our knowledge of the transcriptional profile of PDL cells and identified several new mechanoresponsive genes.