Periostin is essential for the integrity and function of the periodontal ligament during occlusal loading in mice.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The ability of the periodontal ligament (PDL) to absorb and distribute forces is necessary for periodontal homeostasis. This adaptive response may be determined, in part, by a key molecule, periostin, which maintains the integrity of the PDL during occlusal function and inflammation. Periostin is primarily expressed in the PDL and is highly homologous to betaig-H3 (transforming growth factor-beta [TGF-beta] inducible gene). Cementum, alveolar bone, and the PDL of periostin-null mice dramatically deteriorate following tooth eruption. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of periostin in maintaining the functional integrity of the periodontium.

METHODS:

The periodontia from periostin-null mice were characterized followed by unloading the incisors. The effect of substrate stretching on periostin expression was evaluated using a murine PDL cell line. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify mRNA levels of periostin and TGF-beta. TGF-beta1 neutralizing antibodies were used to determine whether the effects of substrate stretching on periostin expression are mediated through TGF-beta.

RESULTS:

Severe periodontal defects were observed in the periostin-null mice after tooth eruption. The removal of masticatory forces in periostin-null mice rescue the periodontal defects. Periostin expression was increased in strained PDL cells by 9.2-fold at 48 hours and was preceded by a transient increase in TGF-beta mRNA in vitro. Elevation of periostin in response to mechanical stress was blocked by the addition of 2.5 ng/ml neutralizing antibody to TGF-beta1, suggesting that mechanical strain activates TGF-beta to have potential autocrine effects and to increase periostin expression.

CONCLUSION:

Mechanical loading maintains sufficient periostin expression to ensure the integrity of the periodontium in response to occlusal load.

• Authors: H F Rios, D Ma, Y Xie, W V Giannobile, L F Bonewald, S J Conway, J Q Feng
• Journal: Journal of periodontology (J Periodontol) Vol. 79 Issue 8 Pg. 1480-90 (Aug 2008) ISSN: 0022-3492 [Print] United States
• PMID: 18672999 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural)

Chemical References

• Cell Adhesion Molecules
• Postn protein, mouse
• RNA, Messenger
• Transforming Growth Factor beta
• Transforming Growth Factor beta1

Topics

• Alveolar Bone Loss (etiology)
• Ameloblasts (pathology)
• Animals
• Autocrine Communication (physiology)
• Biomechanical Phenomena
• Bite Force
• Cell Adhesion Molecules (analysis, physiology)
• Cell Line
• Dental Cementum (pathology)
• Fibroblasts (pathology)
• Image Processing, Computer-Assisted (methods)
• Immunohistochemistry
• Mice
• Mice, Knockout
• Mice, Transgenic
• Periodontal Attachment Loss (etiology)
• Periodontal Ligament (physiology)
• RNA, Messenger (analysis)
• Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Root Resorption (etiology)
• Stress, Mechanical
• Tomography, X-Ray Computed (methods)
• Tooth Eruption (physiology)
• Transforming Growth Factor beta (analysis, physiology)
• Transforming Growth Factor beta1 (antagonists & inhibitors)