Multilineage differentiation of dental follicle cells and the roles of Runx2 over‐expression in enhancing osteoblast/cementoblast‐related gene expression in dental follicle cells

Objectives: Dental follicle cells (DFCs) provide the origin of periodontal tissues, and Runx2 is essential for bone formation and tooth development. In this study, pluripotency of DFCs was evaluated and effects of Runx2 on them were investigated. Materials and methods: The DFCs were induced to differentiate towards osteoblasts, adipocytes or chondrocytes, and alizarin red staining, oil red O staining or alcian blue staining was performed to reveal the differentiated states. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and primary mouse fibroblasts served as controls. DFCs were also infected with recombinant retroviruses encoding either full‐length Runx2 or mutant Runx2 without the VWRPY motif. Western blot analysis, real‐time real time RT‐PCR and in vitro mineralization assay were performed to evaluate the effects of full‐length Runx2 or mutant Runx2 on osteogenic/cementogenic differentiation of the cells. Results: The above‐mentioned staining methods demonstrated that DFCs were successfully induced to differentiate towards osteoblasts, adipocytes or chondrocytes respectively, confirming the existence of pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells in dental follicle tissues. However, staining intensity in DFC cultures was weaker than in BMSC cultures. Real‐time PCR analysis indicated that mutant Runx2 induced a more pronounced increase in expression levels of OC, OPN, Col I and CP23 than full‐length Runx2. Mineralization assay also showed that mutant Runx2 increased mineralization nodule formation more prominently than full‐length Runx2. Conclusions: Multipotent DFCs can be induced to differentiate towards osteoblasts, adipocytes or chondrocytes in vitro. Runx2 over‐expression up‐regulated expression levels of osteoblast/cementoblast‐related genes and in vitro enhanced osteogenic differentiation of DFCs. In addition, mutant Runx2‐induced changes in DFCs were more prominent than those induced by full‐length Runx2.     

Overexpression of the PLAP-1 gene inhibits the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblast-like cells

Periodontal ligament-associated protein-1 (PLAP-1) is a newly discovered member of the extracellular matrix family of proteins known as proteoglycans and is a negative regulator that plays a crucial role in the homeostasis of periodontal tissues. It can protect the periodontal ligament from excessive osteogenesis. However, the molecular mechanisms of PLAP-1 during osteogenic differentiation and osteogenesis remain unclear. In this study, we constructed a PLAP-1 recombinant retroviral plasmid vector named pBABE-hygro-PLAP-1. We transfected this plasmid into rat bone marrow stromal cells (rBMSCs) to obtain a stable cell line with overexpression of PLAP-1 to verify whether PLAP-1 also acts as an inhibitory factor in rBMSCs during bone mineralization. A rBMSC line stably overexpressing PLAP-1 was established successfully as determined by the mRNA levels of PLAP-1, which were measured by real time-qPCR (RT-qPCR), and protein expression, which was measured by immunocytochemistry and western blot analysis. At the same time, a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay did not reveal any statistically significant changes in the transfected cells (P > 0.05). Then, mineral-inducing cultures were performed, and mineralized nodules were observed at weeks 2, 3 and 4 under a microscope. Alizarin Red (Sigma) staining was performed at 4 week to illustrate calcium accumulation. The mineralized nodules in the PLAP-1-transfected rBMSC group were fewer than those in the control groups. The time span of the formation of the mineralized nodules was prolonged. Meanwhile, osteogenic genes were also detected in the mineral-inducing cells by RT-qPCR. An RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated that the levels of the osteoblast markers of rBMSCs that were transfected with pBABE-hygro-PLAP-1, including Runx2, Osterix, alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin, were lower than those in the non-transfected rBMSCs and rBMSCs that were transfected with empty vector (P < 0.01). These results suggest that PLAP-1 has an inhibitory function in rBMSCs when they differentiate into osteoblast-like cells.     

Dental Follicle Cells Rescue the Regenerative Capacity of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells in an Inflammatory Microenvironment

Aims

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are one of the best candidates for periodontal regeneration. Their function could be impaired in periodontitis microenvironment. Dental follicle cells (DFCs), serving as precursor cells and mesenchymal stem cells, have intimate connection with PDLSCs. However, it is still unknown whether DFCs could provide a favorable microenvironment to improve the proliferation and differentiation capacity of PDLSCs from healthy subjects (HPDLSCs) and patients diagnosed with periodontitis (PPDLSCs).

Methods

HPDLSCs, PPDLSCs and DFCs were harvested and identified using microscopic and flow cytometric analysis. Then, the coculture systems of DFCs/HPDLSCs and DFCs/PPDLSCs were established with 0.4 µm transwell, in which all the detection indexs were obtained from HPDLSCs and PPDLSCs. The expression of stemness-associated genes was detected by real-time PCR, and the proliferation ability was assessed using colony formation and cell cycle assays. The osteogenic differentiation capacity was evaluated by real-time PCR, western blot, ALP activity, Alizarin Red S staining and calcium level analysis, while the adipogenic differentiation capacity was determined by real-time PCR and Oil Red O staining. The cell sheet formation in vitro was observed by HE staining and SEM, and the implantation effect in vivo was evaluated using HE staining and Masson’s trichrome staining.

Results

PPDLSCs had a greater proliferation capability but lower osteogenic and adipogenic potential than HPDLSCs. DFCs enhanced the proliferation and osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation of HPDLSCs and PPDLSCs to different degrees. Moreover, coculture with DFCs increased cell layers and extracellular matrix of HPDLSCs/PPDLSCs cell sheets in vitro and improved periodontal regeneration by HPDLSCs/PPDLSCs in vivo.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the function of PPDLSCs could be damaged in the periodontitis microenvironment. DFCs appear to enhance the self-renewal and multi-differentiation capacity of both HPDLSCs and PPDLSCs, which indicates that DFCs could provide a beneficial microenvironment for periodontal regeneration using PDLSCs.     

INH-α对BMP9诱导间充质干细胞成骨分化的作用

为了研究抑制素α亚基(inhibinα-subunit INH-α)对骨形态发生蛋白9(bone morphogenetic protein9,BMP9)诱导的间充质干细胞(mesenchymal stem cells,MSCs)成骨分化的影响,本研究采用细胞化学染色法检测第3天、第5天、第7天细胞中碱性磷酸酶(alkaline phosphatase,ALP)活性的变化。利用RT-PCR和Western blotting检测细胞中的成骨分化早期标志物(Runx2)和晚期标志物(OPN)的mRNA含量及蛋白表达水平。茜素红S染色法检测第21天细胞中的钙盐沉积变化。发现BMP9组ALP活性明显增高,INH-α组ALP活性与对照组相比无明显变化,但联合运用BMP9和INH-α组ALP活性较BMP9组明显降低。此外,BMP9组Runx2和OPN的mRNA含量和蛋白表达水平明显增高,而联用BMP9和INH-α组中的Runx2和OPN水平较BMP9组显著下降(p<0.01)。同样,在茜素红S染色实验中,BMP9组钙盐结节明显增多,染色深;而在联合运用BMP9和INH-α组钙盐结节较BMP9组明显减少,染色变浅。说明INH-α能够抑制BMP9诱导间充质干细胞成骨分化作用。     

Metformin facilitates the proliferation,migration, and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells in vitro

Periodontitis is one of the main causes of tooth loss and has been confirmed as the sixth complication of diabetes. Metformin promotes the osteogenic differentiation of stem cells. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are the best candidate stem cells for periodontal tissue regeneration. Herein, we aimed to identify the effects of metformin on the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in vitro. PDLSCs were isolated by limiting dilution, and their characteristics were assessed by colony formation assay and flow cytometry. Cell counting and migration assays were used to investigate the effects of metformin on proliferation and migration. The osteogenic differentiation ability of PDLSCs was detected by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Alizarin Red S staining. Gene and protein levels of osteogenesis‐related markers were determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blot analysis, respectively. Metformin treatment at 10 μM did not affect PDLSC proliferation, while at 50 and 100 μM, metformin time‐dependently enhanced PDLSC proliferation and significantly increased cell numbers after 5 and 7 days of stimulation (P < 0.05). In addition, 50 μM metformin exhibited a maximal effect on migration, ALP activity, and mineral deposition (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 50 μM metformin significantly upregulated the gene expression levels of ALP, BSP, OPN, OCN, and Runx2 and the protein expression of ALP and Runx2 (P < 0.05). In summary, our study confirms that metformin facilitates the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in vitro and could be used as a new strategy for periodontal tissue regeneration.     

过表达Runx2促进C2C12细胞成骨分化

利用Tet-on(Tetracycline-on)基因表达系统,通过强力霉素(doxycycline,DOX)诱导Runx2基因在C2C12细胞中的表达,探究Runx2促成骨分化功能,为其分子机制的研究提供一个理想的实验平台.先后将调控质粒pTet-on和反应质粒pTRE-Flag-Runx2转染入C2C12细胞,并用G418和潮霉素分别进行2轮筛选,运用实时荧光定量PCR选择对强力霉素诱导敏感的细胞克隆.用不同浓度DOX诱导C2C12/Tet/pTRE-Flag-Runx2细胞,蛋白免疫印迹检测Runx2的表达,确定DOX的最佳诱导浓度与时间,并检测C2C12细胞的成骨分化能力.结果表明,诱导细胞最佳DOX浓度为10μg/ml;最佳诱导时间为12h;诱导后Runx2基因高表达,C2C12细胞向成骨方向分化(P0.05).成功建立Tet调控Runx2基因表达C2C12细胞系,为进一步研究Runx2基因功能分子机制提供理想的细胞模型.     

Comparison of gingiva‐derived and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells for osteogenesis

Presently, bone marrow is considered as a prime source of mesenchymal stem cells; however, there are some drawbacks and limitations. Compared with other mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) sources, gingiva‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) are abundant and easy to obtain through minimally invasive cell isolation techniques. In this study, MSCs derived from gingiva and bone marrow were isolated and cultured from mice. GMSCs were characterized by osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation, and flow cytometry. Compared with bone marrow MSCs (BMSCs), the proliferation capacity was judged by CCK‐8 proliferation assay. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by ALP staining, ALP assay and Alizarin red staining. RT‐qPCR was performed for ALP, OCN, OSX and Runx2. The results indicated that GMSCs showed higher proliferative capacity than BMSCs. GMSCs turned more positive for ALP and formed a more number of mineralized nodules than BMSCs after osteogenic induction. RT‐qPCR revealed that the expression of ALP, OCN, OSX and Runx2 was significantly increased in the GMSCs compared with that in BMSCs. Moreover, it was found that the number of CD90‐positive cells in GMSCs elevated more than that of BMSCs during osteogenic induction. Taking these results together, it was indicated that GMSCs might be a promising source in the future bone tissue engineering.     

Multi-lineage differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells on the biophysical microenvironment of cell-derived matrix

We obtained fibroblast- (FDM) and preosteoblast- (PDM) derived matrices in vitro from their respective cells. Our hypothesis was that these naturally occurring cell-derived matrices (CDMs) would provide a better microenvironment for the multi-lineage differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) than those based on traditional single-protein-based platforms. Cells cultured for 5–6 days were decellularized with detergents and enzymes. The resulting matrices showed a fibrillar surface texture. Under osteogenic conditions, human bone-marrow-derived stromal cells (HS-5) exhibited higher amounts of both mineralized nodule formation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) expression than those cultured on plastic or gelatin. Osteogenic markers (Col I, osteopontin, and cbfa1) and ALP activity from cells cultured on PDM were notably upregulated at 4 weeks. The use of FDM significantly improved the cellular expression of chondrogenic markers (Sox 9 and Col II), while downregulating that of Col I at 4 weeks. Both CDMs were more effective in inducing cellular synthesis of glycosaminoglycan content than control substrates. We also investigated the effect of matrix surface texture on hMSC (PT-2501) differentiation; soluble matrix (S-matrix)-coated substrates exhibited a localized fibronectin (FN) alignment, whereas natural matrix (N-matrix)-coated substrates preserved the naturally formed FN fibrillar alignment. hMSCs cultured for 4 weeks on N-matrices under osteogenic or chondrogenic conditions deposited a greater amount of calcium and proteoglycan than those cultured on S-matrices as assessed by von Kossa and Safranin O staining. In contrast to the expression levels of lineage-specific markers for cells cultured on gelatin, FN, or S-matrices, those cultured on N-matrices yielded highly upregulated levels. This study demonstrates not only the capacity of CDM for being an effective inductive template for the multi-lineage differentiation of hMSCs, but also the critical biophysical role that the matrix fibrillar texture itself plays on the induction of stem cell differentiation.     

Cell kinetics,DNA integrity,differentiation, and lipid fingerprinting analysis of rabbit adipose-derived stem cells

Human adipose tissue has been described as a potential alternative reservoir for stem cells. Although studies have been performed in rabbits using autologous adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC), these cells have not been well characterized. The primary objectives of this study were to demonstrate the presence of adipose-derived stem cells isolated from rabbit inguinal fat pads and to characterize them through osteogenic and adipogenic in vitro differentiation and lipid fingerprinting analysis. The secondary objective was to evaluate cell behavior through growth kinetics, cell viability, and DNA integrity. Rabbit ADSCs were isolated to determine the in vitro growth kinetics and cell viability. DNA integrity was assessed by an alkaline Comet assay in passages 0 and 5. The osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by Von Kossa, and Alizarin Red S staining and adipogenic differentiation were assessed by Oil Red O staining. Lipid fingerprinting analyses of control, adipogenic, and osteogenic differentiated cells were performed by MALDI-TOF/MS. We demonstrate that rabbit ADSC have a constant growth rate at the early passages, with increased DNA fragmentation at or after passage 5. Rabbit ADSC viability was similar in passages 2 and 5 (90.7% and 86.6%, respectively), but there was a tendency to decreased cellular growth rate after passage 3. The ADSC were characterized by the expression of surface markers such as CD29 (67.4%) and CD44 (89.4%), using CD 45 (0.77%) as a negative control. ADSC from rabbits were successfully isolated form the inguinal region. These cells were capable to differentiate into osteogenic and adipogenic tissue when they were placed in inductive media. After each passage, there was a trend towards decreased cell growth. On the other hand, DNA fragmentation increased at each passage. ADSC had a different lipid profile when placed in control, adipogenic, or osteogenic media.