TNF-alpha promotes an odontoblastic phenotype in dental pulp cells

Integrin binding and MAPK signal pathways in primary cell responses to surface chemistry of calcium silicate cements

Cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation on different materials depend largely on the surface properties of the materials. This study sheds light on the mechanism by which the modulation of the chemical composition of calcium silicate cements with different Si/Ca molar ratios could produce different cell responses. Two primary cell types (human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and human dental pulp cells (hDPCs)) were used to elicit the changes in total DNA content, integrin subunit levels, phosphor-focal adhesion kinase (pFAK) levels, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway activity at the cell attachment stage. The effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection targeting collagen type I (COL I) and fibronectin (FN) was also evaluated. The results indicated that increased total DNA content, pFAK and total integrin levels were observed upon an increase in cement Si content. Cements with different Si/Ca ratios did not cause the variations of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) ligands. The Si-rich cement facilitated COL I and α2β1 subintegrin expression, while Ca-rich cement promoted FN and αvβ3 subintegrin expression. Si component of the calcium silicates stimulated cell adhesion via activation of MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 signaling pathways more effectively than did by Ca component, but it did not affect c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) activity. Inhibition of MAPK/ERK and MAPK/p38 signaling pathways in hMSCs and hDPCs significantly attenuated adhesion, proliferation and differentiation as assessed according to total DNA content and alkaline phosphatase activity. hMSCs and hDPCs from the three different donors exhibited a similar preference for cell behaviors. The results of the current study suggest that calcium silicate cements with a higher Si content have the potential to serve as excellent supports for primary cells. Unraveling the mechanism by which primary cells responded to calcium silicate materials will be beneficial for materials design in their eventual clinical use.

Effect of temporally patterned TNF-α delivery on in vitro osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells cultured on biodegradable polymer scaffolds

Recent insight into the critical role of pro-inflammatory cytokines, particularly tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), in bone regeneration has heralded a new direction in the design of tissue engineering constructs. Previous studies have demonstrated that continuous delivery of 50 ng/ml TNF-α to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultured on three-dimensional (3D) biodegradable electrospun poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) microfiber meshes stimulates mineralized matrix deposition, a marker of osteogenic differentiation. Since TNF-α exhibits a biphasic pattern of expression following bone fracture in vivo, this study aimed to investigate the effects of temporal patterns of TNF-α delivery on in vitro osteogenic differentiation of MSCs cultured on 3D electrospun PCL scaffolds. MSCs were cultured for 16 days and exposed to continuous, early, intermediate, or late TNF-α delivery. To further elucidate the effects of TNF-α on osteogenic differentiation, the study design included MSCs precultured both in the presence and absence of typically required osteogenic supplement dexamethasone. Mineralized matrix deposition was not observed in constructs with dexamethasone-naïve MSCs, suggesting that TNF-α is not sufficient to trigger in vitro osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. For MSCs precultured with dexamethasone, TNF-α suppressed alkaline phosphatase activity, an early marker of osteogenic differentiation, and stimulated mineralized matrix deposition, a late stage marker of MSC osteogenic differentiation. By elucidating the impact of temporal variations in TNF-α delivery on MSC osteogenic differentiation, our results offer insight into the regenerative mechanism of TNF-α and provide the design parameters for a novel tissue engineering strategy that rationally controls TNF-α signaling to stimulate bone regeneration.

Modulation of osteoblastic/odontoblastic differentiation of adult mesenchymal stem cells through gene introduction: a brief review

Bone tissue engineering is one of the important therapeutic approaches to the regeneration of bones in the entire field of regeneration medicine. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are actively discussed as material for bone tissue engineering due to their ability to differentiate into autologous bone. MSCs are able to differentiate into different lineages: osteo/odontogenic, adipogenic, and neurogenic. The tissue of origin for MSCs defines them as bone marrow-derived stem cells, adipose tissue-derived stem cells, and, among many others, dental stem cells. According to the tissue of origin, DSCs are further stratified into dental pulp stem cells, periodontal ligament stem cells, stem cells from apical papilla, stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, dental follicle precursor cells, and dental papilla cells. There are numerous in vitro/in vivo reports suggesting successful mineralization potential or osteo/odontogenic ability of MSCs. Still, there is further need for the optimization of MSCs-based tissue engineering methods, and the introduction of genes related to osteo/odontogenic differentiation into MSCs might aid in the process. In this review, articles that reported enhanced osteo/odontogenic differentiation with gene introduction into MSCs will be discussed to provide a background for successful bone tissue engineering using MSCs with artificially introduced genes.

Advanced glycation end-products enhance calcification in cultured rat dental pulp cells

INTRODUCTION

Amorphous calcification frequently appears in dental pulp tissues of diabetic patients; however, its pathologic process has not been fully elucidated. We previously found that pulp stones and thickened predentin occurred more frequently in diabetic rats. Recent findings demonstrated that accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGE) might be involved in vascular calcification complicated with diabetes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of AGE on calcified nodule formation by rat dental pulp cells in culture.

METHODS

Rat dental pulp cells and gingival fibroblasts were independently cultured with 50 and 100 μg/mL AGE. Alkaline phosphatase activity and calcified nodule formation were measured. Expressions of receptor for AGE, osteopontin (OPN), and osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Protein levels of OPN and OCN secreted in culture medium were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

AGE (50 and 100 μg/mL) markedly increased both alkaline phosphatase activity and calcified nodule formation in dental pulp cells (P < .01), whereas it did not affect those in gingival fibroblasts. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that AGE increased mRNA expressions of receptor for AGE, OPN, and OCN in dental pulp cells (P < .05). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis revealed that the protein levels of OPN and OCN produced by dental pulp cells were higher in AGE-treated than in untreated cells (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

AGE enhanced the calcification potentials of rat dental pulp cells, suggesting that it may stimulate pathologic calcification of diabetic dental pulp tissues.

Changes in proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells from deep caries in vitro

INTRODUCTION

It is suggested that dental pulp stem cells are involved in tooth regeneration and play an important role in maintaining pulp homeostasis. Previously, normal dental pulps were more widely used for experimental models than carious dental pulps. The aim of this study was to isolate and culture the dental pulp stem cells from carious and normal teeth and to evaluate stem cell parameters.

METHODS

Pulp tissues were obtained and dissociated from normal and carious teeth. Single-cell suspensions were seeded into 6-well plates and purified by collecting multiple colonies. Normal dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and carious dental pulp stem cells (CDPSCs) were compared for morphologic appearance and for their capacity to differentiate into 3 lineages. Colony-forming and MTT assays, cell cycle analysis, gene expression, and alkaline phosphatase activity were also evaluated.

RESULTS

Stem cells were cultured successfully from normal and carious dental pulps. CDPSCs displayed increased proliferation ability compared with DPSCs. CDPSCs also showed enhanced ALP activity, mineralization ability, and expression of osteogenesis/dentinogenesis-related genes. All cultures differentiated into 3 cell types.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that caries as a local microenvironment should be taken into account when DPSCs are intended to be used for investigations and application. Furthermore, the mechanism of the underlying changes in cell properties requires further study.

Student Award for Outstanding Research Winner in the Ph.D. Category for the 9th World Biomaterials Congress, Chengdu, China, June 1-5, 2012: The interplay of bone-like extracellular matrix and TNF-α signaling on in vitro osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells

As an initial step in the development of a bone tissue engineering strategy to rationally control inflammation, we investigated the interplay of bone-like extracellular matrix (ECM) and varying doses of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) on osteogenically differentiating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultured in vitro on 3D poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) microfiber scaffolds containing pregenerated bone-like ECM. To generate the ECM, PCL scaffolds were seeded with MSCs and cultured in medium containing the typically required osteogenic supplement dexamethasone. However, since dexamethasone antagonizes TNF-α, the interplay of ECM and TNF-α was investigated by culturing naïve MSCs on the decellularized scaffolds in the absence of dexamethasone. MSCs cultured on ECM-coated scaffolds continued to deposit mineralized matrix, a late stage marker of osteogenic differentiation. Mineralized matrix deposition was not adversely affected by exposure to TNF-α for 4-8 days, but was significantly reduced after continuous exposure to TNF-α over 16 days, which simulates the in vivo response, where brief TNF-α signaling stimulates bone regeneration, while prolonged exposure has damaging effects. This underscores the exciting potential of PCL/ECM constructs as a more clinically realistic in vitro culture model to facilitate the design of new bone tissue engineering strategies that rationally control inflammation to promote regeneration.

An ex vivo culture model for orthodontically induced root resorption

OBJECTIVES

Root resorption is a ubiquitous although undesirable sequela to orthodontic treatment. Current methods to investigate the pathophysiology have certain limitations. In pursuit to understand and develop treatment modalities for orthodontically induced root resorption, the ability to manipulate cells within their natural extracellular matrix in a three dimensional organotypic model is invaluable. The study aimed to develop a laboratory-based organotypic model to investigate the effect of orthodontic forces on the periodontium.

METHODS

Mandibular slices of male Wistar rats were maintained in Trowel-typed cultures at 37°C in 5% carbon dioxide in air for 7 days with test specimens subjected to compressive forces at 50 g and 100g by stainless steel springs. Tissue architecture and cell viability were maintained under culture conditions.

RESULTS

Osteoclast numbers increased significantly in both test groups whilst odontoclasts increased in the 50 g group. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated increased dentine sialoprotein expression in both test groups, suggesting changes in mineralization-related activity due to mechanical strain.

CONCLUSION

The study showed initial cellular and molecular changes of key markers that relate to root resorption in response to mechanical loading.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Severe root resorption may occur when forces applied are heavy or transmitted over an extended period and could lead to mobility and tooth loss. This ex vivo model can be used to investigate cellular and molecular processes during orthodontic tooth movement which may advance the clinical management of root resorption.

Calcified tissue formation of subcutaneously transplanted mouse dental pulp

It is well established that dental pulp has the ability to form calcified tissue, however, the precise process of calcified tissue formation and its characteristics are still undetermined. In this study we examined the process and the matrix components of the calcified tissues by means of subcutaneously transplanted dental pulp tissue. The mid-third of the mouse incisor pulp was transplanted into abdominal subcutaneous tissue. Two calcified tissues were independently formed within the implanted pulp at 7 days after the implantation, one developed in the peripheral region and the other was formed in the middle region of the pulp. Histological investigation indicated the existence of hypertrophic chondrocytes in the peripheral calcified tissue. Immunohistochemical study indicated the colocalization of types I and II collagen surrounding these cells. RT-PCR analysis indicated the transient expression of type II collagen at 7 days and the constant expression of type I collagen, osteonectin, osteocalcin and dentin matrix protein-1 and 2 at all examined times. Dentin sialophosphoprotein was only detected at 28 days after the transplantation. These results indicated that dental pulp cells might have the capacity to form calcified tissue by implanted dental pulp and it is possible that the difference of local environments induced the cells to form different types of calcified tissues within the implanted pulp.

DeltaNp63α protein triggers epithelial-mesenchymal transition and confers stem cell properties in normal human keratinocytes

p63 is a p53 family protein required for morphogenesis and postnatal regeneration of epithelial tissues. Here we demonstrate that ΔNp63α, a p63 isoform lacking the N-terminal transactivation domain, induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in primary human keratinocytes in a TGF-β-dependent manner. Rapidly proliferating normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) were infected with retroviral vector expressing ΔNp63α or empty vector and serially subcultured until replicative senescence. No phenotypic changes were observed until the culture reached senescence. Then the ΔNp63α-transduced cells underwent morphological changes resembling mesenchymal cells and acquired the EMT phenotype. Treatment with exogenous TGF-β accelerated EMT in presenescent ΔNp63α-transduced cells, whereas the inhibition of TGF-β signaling reversed the EMT phenotype. TGF-β treatment alone led to growth arrest in control NHEK with no evidence of EMT, indicating that ΔNp63α altered the cellular response to TGF-β treatment. ΔNp63α-transduced cells acquiring EMT gained the ability to be differentiated to osteo-/odontogenic and adipogenic pathways, resembling mesenchymal stem cells. Furthermore, these cells expressed enhanced levels of Nanog and Lin28, which are transcription factors associated with pluripotency. These data indicate that EMT required ΔNp63α transduction and intact TGF-β signaling in NHEK.

Harnessing and modulating inflammation in strategies for bone regeneration

Inflammation is an immediate response that plays a critical role in healing after fracture or injury to bone. However, in certain clinical contexts, such as in inflammatory diseases or in response to the implantation of a biomedical device, the inflammatory response may become chronic and result in destructive catabolic effects on the bone tissue. Since our previous review 3 years ago, which identified inflammatory signals critical for bone regeneration and described the inhibitory effects of anti-inflammatory agents on bone healing, a multitude of studies have been published exploring various aspects of this emerging field. In this review, we distinguish between regenerative and damaging inflammatory processes in bone, update our discussion of the effects of anti-inflammatory agents on bone healing, summarize recent in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating how inflammation can be modulated to stimulate bone regeneration, and identify key future directions in the field.

Stem/progenitor cells from inflamed human dental pulp retain tissue regeneration potential

BACKGROUND

Potent stem/progenitor cells have been isolated from normal human dental pulps termed dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). However, it is unknown whether these cells exist in inflamed pulps (IPs).

AIMS

To determine whether DPSCs can be identified and isolated from IPs; and if they can be successfully cultured, whether they retain tissue regeneration potential in vivo.

MATERIALS & METHODS

DPSCs from freshly collected normal pulps (NPs) and IPs were characterized in vitro and their tissue regeneration potential tested using an in vivo study model.

RESULTS

The immunohistochemical analysis showed that IPs expressed higher levels of mesenchymal stem cell markers STRO-1, CD90, CD105 and CD146 compared with NPs (p < 0.05). Flow cytometry analysis showed that DPSCs from both NPs and IPs expressed moderate to high levels of CD146, stage-specific embryonic antigen-4, CD73 and CD166. Total population doubling of DPSCs-IPs (44.6 + or - 2.9) was lower than that of DPSCs-NPs (58.9 + or - 2.5) (p < 0.05), and DPSCs-IPs appeared to have a decreased osteo/dentinogenic potential compared with DPSCs-NPs based on the mineral deposition in cultures. Nonetheless, DPSCs-IPs formed pulp/dentin complexes similar to DPSCs-NPs when transplanted into immunocompromised mice.

CONCLUSION

DPSCs-IPs can be isolated and their mesenchymal stem cell marker profiles are similar to those from NPs. Although some stem cell properties of DPSCs-IPs were altered, cells from some samples remained potent in tissue regeneration in vivo.

Calcium hydroxide promotes cementogenesis and induces cementoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal periodontal ligament cells in a CEMP1- and ERK-dependent manner

Periodontal tissue engineering is a complex process requiring the regeneration of bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament (PDL). Since cementum regeneration is poorly understood, we used a dog model of dental pulpal necrosis and in vitro cellular wounding and mineralization assays to determine the mechanism of action of calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)(2), in cementogenesis. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) followed by qRT-PCR were used to assay responses of periapical tissues to Ca(OH)(2) treatment. Additionally, viability, proliferation, migration, and mineralization responses of human mesenchymal PDL cells to Ca(OH)(2) were assayed. Finally, biochemical inhibitors and siRNA were used to investigate Ca(OH)(2)-mediated signaling in PDL cell differentiation. In vivo, Ca(OH)(2)-treated teeth formed a neocementum in a STRO-1- and cementum protein-1 (CEMP1)-positive cellular environment. LCM-harvested tissues adjacent to the neocementum exhibited higher mRNA levels for CEMP1, integrin-binding sialoprotein, and Runx2 than central PDL cells. In vitro, Ca(OH)(2) and CEMP1 promoted STRO-1-positive cell proliferation, migration, and wound closure. Ca(OH)(2) stimulated expression of the cementum-specific proteins CEMP1 and PTPLA/CAP in an ERK-dependent manner. Lastly, Ca(OH)(2) stimulated mineralization by CEMP1-positive cells. Blocking CEMP1 and ERK function abolished Ca(OH)(2)-induced mineralization, confirming a role for CEMP1 and ERK in the process. Ca(OH)(2) promotes cementogenesis and recruits STRO-1-positive mesenchymal PDL cells to undergo cementoblastic differentiation and mineralization via a CEMP1- and ERK-dependent pathway.

Dentin-derived BMP-2 and Odontoblast Differentiation

It is known that stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) can be induced to differentiate into odontoblasts. However, the nature of dentin-derived morphogenic signals required for dental pulp stem cell differentiation remains unclear. The hypothesis underlying this work is that dentin-derived Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP) are necessary for the differentiation of SHED into odontoblasts. We observed that SHED express markers of odontoblastic differentiation (DSPP, DMP-1, MEPE) when seeded in human tooth slice/scaffolds and cultured in vitro, or implanted subcutaneously into immunodeficient mice. In contrast, SHED cultured in deproteinized tooth slice/scaffolds, or scaffolds without a tooth slice, do not express these markers. SHED express the BMP receptors BMPR-IA, BMPR-IB, and BMPR-II. Notably, blockade of BMP-2 signaling inhibited the expression of markers of odontoblastic differentiation by SHED cultured in tooth slice/scaffolds. Collectively, this work demonstrates that dentin-derived BMP-2 is required to induce the differentiation of SHED into odontoblasts.

Can interaction of materials with the dentin-pulp complex contribute to dentin regeneration?

Understanding outcomes of the interaction between a dental material and tooth tissue is important in terms not only of biocompatibility but also of the potential for the material to modulate the response of the tissue. This interaction is influenced by many factors, including the chemistry of the material and any of its eluted components or degradation products, and the manner in which the tissue responds to these agents. Past studies of this interaction have primarily been aimed at identifying cytotoxic effects. More recently, investigations have focused on specific cellular responses, and in particular, on understanding how the materials themselves actually may contribute to regenerative processes in the tooth. Recent work has demonstrated the solubilization of proteins from dentin exposed to certain materials, such as calcium hydroxide, mineral trioxide aggregate, and acidic solutions that relate to those used in dentin bonding agents, with the subsequent modulation by these proteins of gene expression in odontoblast-like cells. This work suggests that dentin bridge formation under such materials may be stimulated through this process. Thus, there is much merit in examining both how new dental materials can be developed and how more traditional ones can be modified to preferentially stimulate regenerative processes when preferred. This review summarizes current knowledge about the potential beneficial effects derived from the interaction of dental materials with the dentin-pulp complex, as well as potential future developments in this exciting field.

Dose effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha on in vitro osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on biodegradable polymeric microfiber scaffolds

This study presents a first step in the development of a bone tissue engineering strategy to trigger enhanced osteogenesis by modulating inflammation. This work focused on characterizing the effects of the concentration of a pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), on osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) grown in a 3D culture system. MSC osteogenic differentiation is typically achieved in vitro through a combination of osteogenic supplements that include the anti-inflammatory corticosteroid dexamethasone. Although simple, the use of dexamethasone is not clinically realistic, and also hampers in vitro studies of the role of inflammatory mediators in wound healing. In this study, MSCs were pre-treated with dexamethasone to induce osteogenic differentiation, and then cultured in biodegradable electrospun poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) scaffolds, which supported continued MSC osteogenic differentiation in the absence of dexamethasone. Continuous delivery of 0.1 ng/mL of recombinant rat TNF-alpha suppressed osteogenic differentiation of rat MSCs over 16 days, which was likely the result of residual dexamethasone antagonizing TNF-alpha signaling. Continuous delivery of a higher dose, 5 ng/mL TNF-alpha, stimulated osteogenic differentiation for a few days, and 50 ng/mL TNF-alpha resulted in significant mineralized matrix deposition over the course of the study. These findings suggest that the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha stimulates osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, an effect that can be blocked by the presence of anti-inflammatory agents like dexamethasone, with significant implications on the interplay between inflammation and tissue regeneration.

MMP2-cleavage of DMP1 generates a bioactive peptide promoting differentiation of dental pulp stem/progenitor cell

Dentin Matrix Protein 1 (DMP1) plays a regulatory role in dentin mineralization and can also function as a signaling molecule. MMP-2 (matrix metalloproteinase-2) is a predominant protease in the dentin matrix that plays a prominent role in tooth formation and a potential role during the carious process. The possibility that MMP-2 can cleave DMP1 to release biologically active peptides was investigated in this study. DMP1, both in the recombinant form and in its native state within the dentin matrix, was shown to be a substrate for MMP-2. Proteolytic processing of DMP1 by MMP-2 produced two major peptides, one that contains the C-terminal region of the protein known to carry both the ASARM (aspartic acid and serine rich domain) domain involved in biomineralization and the DNA binding site of DMP1. In vitro experiments with recombinant N- and C-terminal polypeptides mimicking the MMP-2 cleavage products of DMP1 demonstrated an effect of the C-polypeptide on the differentiation of dental pulp stem/progenitor cells to a putative odontoblast phenotype. In vivo implantation of this peptide in a rat injured pulp model induced a rapid formation of a homogeneous dentin bridge covered by a palisade of orientated cells expressing dentin sialoprotein (DSP) and DMP1, attesting an efficient repair process. These data suggest that a peptide generated through the proteolytic processing of DMP1 by MMP-2 can regulate the differentiation of mesenchymal cells during dentinogenesis and thus sustain reparative dentin formation in pathological situations such as carious decay. In addition, these data open a new therapeutic possibility of using this peptide to regenerate dentin after an injury.