Dlx5 specifically regulates Runx2 type II expression by binding to homeodomain-response elements in the Runx2 distal promoter

Two major isoforms of the Runx2 gene are expressed by alternative promoter usage: Runx2 type I (Runx2-I) is derived from the proximal promoter (P2), and Runx2 type II (Runx2-II) is produced by the distal promoter (P1). Our previous results indicate that Dlx5 mediates BMP-2-induced Runx2 expression and osteoblast differentiation (Lee, M.-H., Kim, Y-J., Kim, H-J., Park, H-D., Kang, A-R., Kyung, H.-M., Sung, J-H., Wozney, J. M., Kim, H-J., and Ryoo, H-M. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 34387-34394). However, little is known of the molecular mechanisms by which Dlx5 up-regulates Runx2 expression in BMP-2 signaling. Here, Runx2-II expression was found to be specifically stimulated by BMP-2 treatment or by Dlx5 overexpression. In addition, BMP-2, Dlx5, and Runx2-II were found to be expressed in osteogenic fronts and parietal bones of the developing cranial vault and Runx2-I and Msx2 in the sutural mesenchyme. Furthermore, Runx2 P1 promoter activity was strongly stimulated by Dlx5 overexpression, whereas Runx2 P2 promoter activity was not. Runx2 P1 promoter deletion analysis indicated that the Dlx5-specific response is due to sequences between -756 and -342 bp of the P1 promoter, where three Dlx5-response elements are located. Dlx5 responsiveness to these elements was confirmed by gel mobility shift assay and site-directed mutagenesis. Moreover, Msx2 specifically suppressed the Runx2 P1 promoter, and the responsible region overlaps with that recognized by Dlx5. In summary, Dlx5 specifically transactivates the Runx2 P1 promoter, and its action on the P1 promoter is antagonized by Msx2.     

An Atypical Canonical Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) Signaling Pathway Regulates Msh Homeobox 1 (Msx1) Expression during Odontogenesis

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling plays an essential role in early tooth development, evidenced by disruption of BMP signaling leading to an early arrested tooth development. Despite being a central mediator of BMP canonical signaling pathway, inactivation of Smad4 in dental mesenchyme does not result in early developmental defects. In the current study, we investigated the mechanism of receptor-activated Smads (R-Smads) and Smad4 in the regulation of the odontogenic gene Msx1 expression in the dental mesenchyme. We showed that the canonical BMP signaling is not operating in the early developing tooth, as assessed by failed activation of the BRE-Gal transgenic allele and the absence of phospho-(p)Smad1/5/8-Smad4 complexes. The absence of pSmad1/5/8-Smad4 complex appeared to be the consequence of saturation of Smad4 by pSmad2/3 in the dental mesenchyme as knockdown of Smad2/3 or overexpression of Smad4 led to the formation of pSmad1/5/8-Smad4 complexes and activation of canonical BMP signaling in dental mesenchymal cells. We showed that Smad1/5 but not Smad4 are required for BMP-induced expression of Msx1 in dental mesenchymal cells. We further presented evidence that in the absence of Smad4, BMPs are still able to induce pSmad1/5/8 nuclear translocation and their binding to the Msx1 promoter directly in dental mesenchymal cells. Our results demonstrate the functional operation of an atypical canonical BMP signaling (Smad4-independent and Smad1/5/8-dependent) pathway in the dental mesenchyme during early odontogenesis, which may have general implication in the development of other organs.     

Topical Application of Lithium Chloride on the Pulp Induces Dentin Regeneration

We herein describe a novel procedure for dentin regeneration that mimics the biological processes of tooth development in nature. The canonical Wnt signaling pathway is an important regulator of the Dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp) expression. Our approach mimics the biological processes underlying tooth development in nature and focuses on the activation of canonical Wnt signaling to trigger the natural process of dentinogenesis. The coronal portion of the dentin and the underlying pulp was removed from the first molars. We applied lithium chloride (LiCl), an activator of canonical Wnt signaling, on the amputated pulp surface to achieve transdifferentiation toward odontoblasts from the surrounding pulpal cells. MicroCT and microscopic analyses demonstrated that the topical application of LiCl induced dentin repair, including the formation of a complete dentin bridge. LiCl-induced dentin is a tubular dentin in which the pulp cells are not embedded within the matrix, as in primary dentin. In contrast, a dentin bridge was not induced in the control group treated with pulp capping with material carriers alone, although osteodentin without tubular formation was induced at a comparatively deeper position from the pulp exposure site. We also evaluated the influence of LiCl on differentiation toward odontoblasts in vitro. In the mDP odontoblast cell line, LiCl activated the mRNA expression of Dspp, Axin2 and Kallikrein 4 (Klk4) and downregulated the Osteopontin (Osp) expression. These results provide a scientific basis for the biomimetic regeneration of dentin using LiCl as a new capping material to activate dentine regeneration.