Crucial role of Notch signaling in osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells in osteoporotic rats

A sustained release of alendronate from an injectable tetra-PEG hydrogel for efficient bone repair

Significant efforts on construction of smart drug delivery for developing minimally invasive gelling system to prolong local delivery of bisphosphonates are considered as promising perspectives for the bone-related diseases, which provide the hydrogels with unique bioactivities for bone repair in clinic. Herein, we have constructed an alendronate (ALN)-conjoined injectable tetra-PEG hydrogel with excellent biocompatibility, uniform network, and favorable mechanical properties in one-pot strategy. In views of the quick ammonolysis reaction between N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)-ester of tetra-PEG-SG and amine groups of tetra-PEG-NH₂ polymer and ALN molecules, the uniform networks were formed within seconds along with the easy injection, favorable biocompatibility and mechanical properties for hydrogel scaffolds. On account of the simultaneous physical encapsulation and chemical linkage of the ALN within the hydrogels, the ALN-conjoined tetra-PEG hydrogel exhibited a sustained drug release delivery that could persistently and effectively facilitate viability, growth, proliferation, and osteogenesis differentiation of stem cells, thereby allowing the consequent adaptation of hydrogels into the bone defects with irregular shapes, which endowed the ALN-conjoined tetra-PEG hydrogel with depot formulation capacity for governing the on-demand release of ALN drugs. Consequently, the findings imply that these drug-based tetra-PEG hydrogels mediate optimal release of therapeutic cargoes and effective promotion of in situ bone regeneration, which will be broadly utilized as therapeutic scaffolds in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

circSKIL promotes osteoblastic differentiation of periodontal ligament cells by sponging miR-532-5p to activate Notch signaling

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) possess the capacity to differentiate into a variety of cell types to benefit periodontal regeneration. In this study, we examined the circSKIL/miR-532-5p/Notch1 axis in controlling the osteoblastic differentiation of PDLCs.

METHODS

Primary human PDLCs (hPDLCs) were isolated and induced to differentiate into osteoblasts. Osteogenic responses were assessed for the expressions of osteoblast-related marker proteins (including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2), and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) by RT-PCR. The formation of mineralized nodules was examined by Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining and ALP activity. Expressions of circSKIL, miR-532-5p, and Notch1 were measured by RT-PCR and western blotting, and their regulations by combining bioinformatic analysis and luciferase reporter assay. Notch signaling was assessed for the expressions of hairy and enhancer of split-1 (HES1) and Notch intracellular domain (NICD).

RESULTS

During osteoblastic differentiation of hPDLCs, circSKIL, and Notch1 were up-regulated, while miR-532-5p down-regulated. By sponging miR-532-5p, circSKIL activated Notch signaling, increasing levels of Notch1, HES1, and NICD. Functionally, knocking down circSKIL or overexpressing miR-532-5p inhibited osteoblastic differentiation of PDLCs, down-regulating ALP, OCN, BMP2, and RUNX2, and reducing ARS staining or ALP activity. The impacts of circSKIL knockdown were rescued by miR-532-5p inhibitor or overexpressing Notch1, while those caused by up-regulating miR-532-5p were reversed by overexpressing Notch1.

CONCLUSION

By targeting miR-532-5p and up-regulating Notch1, circSKIL critically controls osteoblastic differentiation of hPDLCs. Therefore, modulating this axis may maximize the differentiation of PDLCs into osteoblasts and benefit periodontal regeneration.

Downregulation of miR-184 facilitates osseous differentiation in periodontal ligament stem cells by modulating nuclear factor I-C

Background/purpose

PDLSCs (periodontal ligament stem cells), derived from dental tissues, are candidate cells for regeneration of dental tissues. MiRNAs could regulate osteogenic differentiation and the transformation into osteoblasts. This study was conducted to figure out how miR-184 regulates osteoblastic differentiation in PDLSCs.

Materials and methods

PDLSCs were isolated from premolars, and the osteoblastic differentiation was validated via Alizarin red staining and determination of ALP (alkaline phosphatase) activity. Expression of osteogenic specific genes were evaluated by western blot, and the expression pattern of miR-184 was determined by qRT-PCR. Target gene of miR-184 was then verified by dual luciferase reporter assay.

Results

Osteogenic-induced PDLSCs were successfully established with increased mineral deposition, ALP activity and protein expression of RUNX2 (runt-related transcription factor 2), osterix and BSP (bone sialoprotein). MiR-184 was reduced during osteoblastic differentiation of PDLSCs, and over-expression of miR-184 suppressed osteoblastic differentiation, as evidenced by reduction in mineral deposition, ALP activity and protein expression of RUNX2, osterix and BSP. MiR-184 could target NFI-C (nuclear factor I-C), and inhibit NFI-C expression in PDLSCs. NFI-C was enhanced during osteoblastic differentiation of PDLSCs, suggesting negative correlation with miR-184. Forced NFI-C expression promoted osteoblastic differentiation, and counteracted with the suppressive effects of miR-184 on osteoblastic differentiation.

Conclusion

Downregulation of miR-184 facilitates osteoblastic differentiation in PDLSCs by modulating NFI-C, providing novel therapeutic strategy for regeneration of dental tissues.

NOTCH2 participates in Jagged1-induced osteogenic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells

Jagged1 activates Notch signaling and subsequently promotes osteogenic differentiation in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLs). The present study investigated the participation of the Notch receptor, NOTCH2, in the Jagged1-induced osteogenic differentiation in hPDLs. NOTCH2 and NOTCH4 mRNA expression levels increased during hPDL osteogenic differentiation. However, the endogenous NOTCH2 expression levels were markedly higher compared with NOTCH4. NOTCH2 expression knockdown using shRNA in hPDLs did not dramatically alter their proliferation or osteogenic differentiation compared with the shRNA control. After seeding on Jagged1-immobilized surfaces and maintaining the hPDLs in osteogenic medium, HES1 and HEY1 mRNA levels were markedly reduced in the shNOTCH2-transduced cells compared with the shControl group. Further, shNOTCH2-transduced cells exhibited less alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity and in vitro mineralization than the shControl cells when exposed to Jagged1. MSX2 and COL1A1 mRNA expression after Jagged1 activation were reduced in shNOTCH2-transduced cells. Endogenous Notch signaling inhibition using a γ-secretase inhibitor (DAPT) attenuated mineralization in hPDLs. DAPT treatment significantly promoted TWIST1, but decreased ALP, mRNA expression, compared with the control. In conclusion, Notch signaling is involved in hPDL osteogenic differentiation. Moreover, NOTCH2 participates in the mechanism by which Jagged1 induced osteogenic differentiation in hPDLs.

Down-regulation of FTX promotes the differentiation of osteoclasts in osteoporosis through the Notch1 signaling pathway by targeting miR-137

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis (OP) is one of the commonly seen bone diseases with low bone mineral densities and trauma fractures. Accumulative studies have demonstrated that the occurrence of OP is closely related to osteoclasts differentiation. LncRNA FTX has been demonstrated to inhibit the development of some human cancers. However, its potential functions in human OP remains to be elusive.

METHODS

The expressions of FTX and miR-137 in bone and serum samples of patients with or without OP were measured. Bioinformatics analysis, RIP assays and luciferase reporter assays were performed to examine the upstream and downstream transactional factors of miR-137. Functional assays were conducted to check the roles of the Notching1 signaling pathway OP.

RESULTS

FTX was suppressed in OP samples and serums, however, miR-137 was greatly elevated. FTX reduced osteoclast-genesis and inhibited osteogenic differentiation by targeting miR-137. This also inhibited the Notch1 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our experiments and results pointed out that lncRNA FTX up-regulated miR-137 in OP through the Notch1 signaling pathway.

Nanomaterials-based Cell Osteogenic Differentiation and Bone Regeneration

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, various nanomaterials have been applied to bone repair and regeneration. Due to the unique chemical, physical and mechanical properties, nanomaterials could promote stem cells osteogenic differentiation, which has great potentials in bone tissue engineering and exploiting nanomaterials-based bone regeneration strategies. In this review, we summarized current nanomaterials with osteo-induction ability, which could be potentially applied to bone tissue engineering. Meanwhile, the unique properties of these nanomaterials and their effects on stem cell osteogenic differentiation are also discussed. Furthermore, possible signaling pathways involved in the nanomaterials- induced cell osteogenic differentiation are also highlighted in this review.

miR-142-5p promotes the osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages via PTEN/PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 pathway

It is increasingly recognized that microRNAs (miRNAs) are a kind of important regulators, which are involved in the pathogenesis and development of various human diseases. However, the underlying effects and mechanism of miR-142-5p on the osteoclast differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) have not been elucidated. The aim of the present study is to explore the molecular mechanisms that regulate the osteoclastogenesis of BMMs for providing more efficient methods for treating bone-related diseases. In the present study, BMMs were isolated from rats and cultured. Moreover, receptor activators of NF-kB ligands were used to induce the osteoclast differentiation of BMMs. Furthermore, we analyzed the effects of miR-142-5p mimics/inhibitor on the osteoclastogenesis of BMMs. The results indicated that the downregulation of miR-142-5p inhibited the osteoclastogenesis of BMMs, whereas the overexpression enhanced this process. PTEN was testified to be a direct target of miR-142-5p, and its effects on the osteoclastogenesis were also described. Most importantly, treatment of LY29004 (an inhibitor of the PI3k/Akt pathway) can attenuate miR-142-5p osteoclastogenesis effects, while the inhibition effects of LY29004 on the osteoclastogenesis were abolished by knockdown of FoxO1. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that miR-142-5p promotes the osteoclastogenesis of BMMs through PI3k/Akt/FoxO1 pathway via targeting PTEN.

Notch Coordinates Periodontal Ligament Maturation through Regulating Lamin A

Tooth eruption is a continuous biological process with dynamic changes at cellular and tissue levels, particularly within the periodontal ligament (PDL). Occlusion completion is a significant physiological landmark of dentition establishment. However, the importance of the involvement of molecular networks engaging in occlusion establishment on the final PDL maturation is still largely unknown. In this study, using rat and mouse molar teeth and a human PDL cell line for RNAseq and proteomic analysis, we systematically screened the key molecular links in regulating PDL maturation before and after occlusion establishment. We discovered Notch, a key molecular pathway in regulating stem cell fate and differentiation, is a major player in the event. Intercepting the Notch pathway by deleting its key canonical transcriptional factor, RBP-Jkappa, using a conditional knockout strategy in the mice delayed PDL maturation. We also identified that Lamin A, a cell nuclear lamina member, is a unique marker of PDL maturation, and its expression is under the control of Notch signaling. Our study therefore provides a deep insight of how PDL maturation is regulated at the molecular level, and we expect the outcomes to be applied for a better understanding of the molecular regulation networks in physiological conditions such as tooth eruption and movement and also for periodontal diseases.

[Effects of tumor necrosis factor-α on osteogenic differentiation and Notch signaling pathway in human periodontal ligament stem cells]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) on osteogenic differentiation and Notch signaling pathway of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and to investigate the regulatory role of Notch signaling pathway on the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs under the influence of TNF-α.

METHODS

PDLSCs were obtained through enzyme digestion and tissue block method. The expression levels of stem cell surface markers CD105, CD90, CD146, CD45, and CD31 were detected by fluorescence activated cell sorter (FACS). PDLSCs were divided into experimental (10 ng·mL⁻¹ TNF-α) and control groups (0 ng·mL⁻¹ TNF-α). The proliferation ability of PDLSCs was detected using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8). The effect of TNF-α on the osteogenic ability of PDLSCs were tested by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and conducting alizarin red staining and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We tested Notch signal pathway receptors Notch1, Notch2, ligand JAG1, JGA2, and downstream gene Hes-1. Changes in DLL1 expression were detected by quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

FACS profiling showed that PDLSCs were strongly positive for CD105, CD90, and CD146 but negative for CD45 and CD31. CCK-8 results showed that TNF-α could promote the proliferation of PDLSCs (P<0.05). ALP activity in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Alizarin red staining showed that the experimental group had decreased mineralized nodules as compared with the control group. Quantitative real-time PCR results showed that the mRNA expression of osteogenic marker genes cementum attachment protein (CAP), osteopontin (OPN), and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) significantly decreased in the experimental group as compared with those in the control group (P<0.05). The expression levels of Notch1, Notch2, JAG1, JGA2 and Hes-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), whereas those of Notch3 and DLL1 were increased in Notch signaling pathway-related molecules (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

TNF-α can promote PDLSCs proliferation and inhibit bone differentiation and Notch signaling pathway expression, indicating that the Notch signaling pathway regulates PDLSCs osteogenic differentiation.

Effect of substrate stiffness on proliferation and differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to understand the effect of substrate stiffness (a mechanical factor of the extracellular matrix) on periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and its underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Elastic substrates were fabricated by mixing 2 components, a base and curing agent in proportions of 10:1, 20:1, 30:1 or 40:1. PDLSC morphology was observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cell proliferation and differentiation were assessed after PDLSCs was cultured on various elastic substrates. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

SEM revealed variations in the morphology of PDLSCs cultured on elastic substrates. PDLSC proliferation increased with substrate stiffness (P < .05). Osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs was higher on stiff substrates. Notch pathway markers were up-regulated in PDLSCs cultured on stiff substrates.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggested that the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs might be promoted by culturing them in a stiffness-dependent manner, which regulates the Notch pathway. This might provide a new method of enhancing osteogenesis in PDLSCs.

Identification and integrated analysis of differentially expressed lncRNAs and circRNAs reveal the potential ceRNA networks during PDLSC osteogenic differentiation

Background

Researchers have been exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying the control of periodontal ligament stem cell (PDLSC) osteogenic differentiation. Recently, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs) were shown to function as competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to regulate the effect of microRNAs (miRNAs) on their target genes during cell differentiation. However, comprehensive identification and integrated analysis of lncRNAs and circRNAs acting as ceRNAs during PDLSC osteogenic differentiation have not been performed.

Results

PDLSCs were derived from healthy human periodontal ligament and cultured separately with osteogenic induction and normal media for 7 days. Cultured PDLSCs were positive for STRO-1 and CD146 and negative for CD31 and CD45. Osteo-induced PDLSCs showed increased ALP (alkaline phosphatase) activity and up-regulated expression levels of the osteogenesis-related markers ALP, Runt-related transcription factor 2 and osteocalcin. Then, a total of 960 lncRNAs and 1456 circRNAs were found to be differentially expressed by RNA sequencing. The expression profiles of eight lncRNAs and eight circRNAs were measured with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and were shown to agree with the RNA-seq results. Furthermore, the potential functions of lncRNAs and circRNAs as ceRNAs were predicted based on miRanda and were investigated using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis. In total, 147 lncRNAs and 1382 circRNAs were predicted to combine with 148 common miRNAs and compete for miRNA binding sites with 744 messenger RNAs. These mRNAs were predicted to significantly participate in osteoblast differentiation, the MAPK pathway, the Wnt pathway and the signaling pathways regulating pluripotency of stem cells. Among them, lncRNAs coded as TCONS_00212979 and TCONS_00212984, as well as circRNA BANP and circRNA ITCH, might interact with miRNA34a and miRNA146a to regulate PDLSC osteogenic differentiation via the MAPK pathway.

Conclusions

This study comprehensively identified lncRNAs/circRNAs and first integrated their potential ceRNA function during PDLSC osteogenic differentiation. These findings suggest that specific lncRNAs and circRNAs might function as ceRNAs to promote PDLSC osteogenic differentiation and periodontal regeneration.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12863-017-0569-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

From restoration to regeneration: periodontal aging and opportunities for therapeutic intervention

With the march of time our bodies start to wear out: eyesight fades, skin loses its elasticity, teeth and bones become more brittle and injuries heal more slowly. These universal features of aging can be traced back to our stem cells. Aging has a profound effect on stem cells: DNA mutations naturally accumulate over time and our bodies have evolved highly specialized mechanisms to remove these damaged cells. Whilst obviously beneficial, this repair mechanism also reduces the pool of available stem cells and this, in turn, has a dramatic effect on tissue homeostasis and on our rate of healing. Simply put: fewer stem cells means a decline in tissue function and slower healing. Despite this seemingly intractable situation, research over the past decade now demonstrates that some of the effects of aging are reversible. Nobel prize-winning research demonstrates that old cells can become young again, and lessons learned from these experiments-in-a-dish are now being translated into human therapies. Scientists and clinicians around the world are identifying and characterizing methods to activate stem cells to reinvigorate the body's natural regenerative process. If this research in dental regenerative medicine pans out, the end result will be tissue homeostasis and healing back to the levels we appreciated when we were young.

17β-estradiol regulates the differentiation of cementoblasts via Notch signaling cascade

Estrogen has been well recognized as a key factor in the homeostasis of bone and periodontal tissue, but the way it regulates the activities of cementoblasts, the cell population maintaining cementum has not been fully understood. In this study, we examined the expression of estrogen receptor in OCCM-30 cells and the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) on the proliferation and differentiation of OCCM-30 cells. We found that both estrogen receptor α and β were expressed in OCCM-30 cells. E2 exerted no significant influence on the proliferation of OCCM-30 cells, but inhibited the transcription and translation of BSP and Runx2 in the early phase of osteogenic induction except the BSP mRNA. Afterwards in the late phase of osteogenic induction, E2 enhanced the transcription and translation of BSP and Runx2 and promoted the calcium deposition. In addition, the expression level of Notch1, NICD and Hey1 mRNAs responded to exogenous E2 in a pattern similar to that of the osteoblastic markers. DAPT could attenuate the effect of E2 on the expression of osteoblastic markers. These findings indicated that E2 might regulate the differentiation of cementoblasts via Notch signaling.

Interactions of Pri-miRNA-34b/c and TP53 Polymorphisms on the Risk of Osteoporosis

BACKGROUND

Osteoporosis (OP) is a common, multifactorial disorder. Here, we investigated the association between polymorphisms in pri-miR-34b/c (rs4938723) and TP53 (Arg72Pro) and the prevalence of OP.

METHODS

A total of 681 individuals were assessed in a case-control study, including 310 patients with OP and 371 controls. Variants in pri-miR-34b/c and TP53 were identified using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method.

RESULTS

The presence of the CC and CT/CC pri-miR-34b/c genotypes were associated with a significantly reduced risk of OP compared with the TT genotype (CC vs. TT: odds ratio [OR] = 0.32, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 0.17-0.59; p < 0.001; CT/CC vs. TT: OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.51-0.93; p = 0.016). The CC genotype was also associated with a significantly reduced OP risk compared with the TT/CT genotypes (OR = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.19-0.64; p < 0.001). Furthermore, compared with the carriers of the Arg72Pro GG genotype, carriers of the CC genotype had a 2.21-fold increased OP risk (95% CI = 1.45-3.37; p < 0.001) and CG/CC genotypes carriers had a 1.96-fold increased OP risk (95% CI = 1.39-2.76; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings indicate that pri-miR-34b/c rs4938723 and TP53 Arg72Pro polymorphisms may contribute to the risk of OP.

MicroRNAs regulate signaling pathways in osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (Review)

Osteogenesis is a complex multi-step process involving the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteoblast progenitor cells, preosteoblasts, osteoblasts and osteocytes, and the crosstalk between multiple cell types for the formation and remodeling of bone. The signaling regulatory networks during osteogenesis include various components, including growth factors, transcription factors, micro (mi)RNAs and effectors, a number of which form feedback loops controlling the balance of osteogenic differentiation by positive or negative regulation. miRNAs have been found to be important regulators of osteogenic signaling pathways in multiple aspects and multiple signaling pathways. The present review focusses on the progress in elucidating the role of miRNA in the osteogenesis signaling networks of MSCs as a substitute for bone implantation the the field of bone tissue engineering. In particular, the review classifies which miRNAs promote or suppress the osteogenic process, and summarizes which signaling pathway these miRNAs are involved in. Improvements in knowledge of the characteristics of miRNAs in osteogenesis provide an important step for their application in translational investigations of bone tissue engineering and bone disease.

Effect of Jagged-1 and Dll-1 on osteogenic differentiation by stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of Notch ligands, Jagged-1 and Dll-1, on osteogenic differentiation by stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth.

DESIGN

Notch ligands were immobilized on tissue culture surface using an indirect affinity immobilization technique. Cells from the remaining of dental pulp tissues from human deciduous teeth were isolated and characterized using flow cytometry and differentiation assay. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymatic activity, osteogenic marker gene expression, and mineralization were determined using ALP assay, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and alizarin red staining, respectively.

RESULTS

The isolated cells exhibited CD44, CD90, and CD105 expression but lack of CD45 expression. Further, these cells were able to differentiate toward osteogenic lineage. The upregulation of HES-1 and HEY-1 was observed in those cells on Dll-1 and Jagged-1 coated surface. The significant increase of ALP activity and mineralization was noted in those cells seeded on Jagged-1 surface and these results were attenuated when cells were pretreated with gamma secretase inhibitor. The significant upregulation of ALP and collagen type I gene expression was also observed in those cells seeded on Jagged-1 surface. The inconsistent Dll-1 induced osteogenic differentiation was found and high Dll-1 immobilized dose (50 nM) slightly enhanced alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity. However, the statistical significant difference was not obtained as compared to the hFc control.

CONCLUSION

The surface immobilization of Notch ligands, Jagged-1 and Dll-1, likely to enhance osteogenic differentiation of SHEDs. However, Jagged-1 had more ability in enhancing osteogenic differentiation than Dll-1 in our model.

Notch Signaling Induces Root Resorption via RANKL and IL-6 from hPDL Cells

In this study, we first investigated the expressions of Jagged1, Notch2, the receptor activator of nuclear factor–kappa B ligand (RANKL), and interleukin (IL)-6 in areas of root resorption during experimental tooth movement in rats in vivo. We then assessed the effects of compression force (CF) with or without GSI (an inhibitor of Notch signaling) on Jagged1, RANKL, and IL-6 release from human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cells. Twelve male 6-wk-old Wistar rats were subjected to an orthodontic force of 50 g to induce mesially tipping movement of the upper first molars for 7 d. The expression levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, Jagged1, Notch2, IL-6, and RANKL proteins in the dental root were determined using an immunohistochemical analysis. Furthermore, the effects of the CF on Jagged1, IL-6, and RANKL production were investigated using hPDL cells in vitro. The effects of the cell-conditioned medium obtained from the hPDL cells subjected to CF (CFM) and Jagged 1 on osteoclastogenesis of human osteoclast precursor cells (hOCPs) were also investigated. Under the conditions of experimental tooth movement in vivo, resorption lacunae with multinucleated cells were observed in the 50 g group. In addition, immunoreactivity for Jagged1, Notch2, IL-6, and RANKL was detected on day 7 in the PDL tissue subjected to the orthodontic force. In the in vitro study, the compression force increased the production of Jagged1, IL-6, and RANKL from the hPDL cells, whereas treatment with GSI inhibited the production of these factors in vitro. The osteoclastogenesis increased with the CFM and rhJagged1, and the increase in the osteoclastogenesis was almost inhibited by GSI. These results suggest that the Notch signaling response to excessive orthodontic forces stimulates the process of root resorption via RANKL and IL-6 production from hPDL cells.