Development of a novel mouse osteoclast culture system including cells of mandibular body and erupting teeth

Oral biosciences: The annual review 2022

BACKGROUND

The Journal of Oral Biosciences is devoted to advancing and disseminating fundamental knowledge concerning every aspect of oral biosciences.

HIGHLIGHT

This review features review articles in the fields of "Bone Cell Biology," "Tooth Development & Regeneration," "Tooth Bleaching," "Adipokines," "Milk Thistle," "Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition," "Periodontitis," "Diagnosis," "Salivary Glands," "Tooth Root," "Exosome," "New Perspectives of Tooth Identification," "Dental Pulp," and "Saliva" in addition to the review articles by the winner of the "Lion Dental Research Award" ("Plastic changes in nociceptive pathways contributing to persistent orofacial pain") presented by the Japanese Association for Oral Biology.

CONCLUSION

The review articles in the Journal of Oral Biosciences have inspired its readers to broaden their knowledge about various aspects of oral biosciences. The current editorial review introduces these exciting review articles.

Parathyroid Hormone 1 Receptor Signaling in Dental Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Basic and Clinical Implications

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) are two peptides that regulate mineral ion homeostasis, skeletal development, and bone turnover by activating parathyroid hormone 1 receptor (PTH1R). PTH1R signaling is of profound clinical interest for its potential to stimulate bone formation and regeneration. Recent pre-clinical animal studies and clinical trials have investigated the effects of PTH and PTHrP analogs in the orofacial region. Dental mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are targets of PTH1R signaling and have long been known as major factors in tissue repair and regeneration. Previous studies have begun to reveal important roles for PTH1R signaling in modulating the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs in the orofacial region. A better understanding of the molecular networks and underlying mechanisms for modulating MSCs in dental diseases will pave the way for the therapeutic applications of PTH and PTHrP in the future. Here we review recent studies involving dental MSCs, focusing on relationships with PTH1R. We also summarize recent basic and clinical observations of PTH and PTHrP treatment to help understand their use in MSCs-based dental and bone regeneration.

Role of reduced enamel epithelium in root resorption

BACKGROUND

The precise mechanism of root resorption in human primary teeth is unclear. However, research has suggested that the enamel organ and dental follicle of the successive (permanent) teeth are important for this process. This review focuses on the mechanism of root resorption.

HIGHLIGHT

Impaction of the maxillary permanent canines is occasionally seen. Computer tomography studies have shown that these canines cause root resorption in 12.5% of the neighboring central and lateral incisors. In such cases, enlargement of the radiolucent areas around the canine crowns is frequently seen. These radiolucent areas include dental follicles and reduced enamel epithelium, which are composed of degraded ameloblasts and cells of the papillary layer. Root resorbing factors, expressed from the reduced enamel epithelium, are likely to induce the odontoclastic root resorption. Physiological root resorption of the primary teeth is generally milder than this pathological root resorption, but involvement of the reduced enamel epithelium of the permanent tooth can be also proposed.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the role of the reduced enamel epithelium in root resorption under both pathological and physiological conditions.

Effect of stress on mRNA expression of H+-ATPase in osteoclasts

This study was designed to investigate the effect of various strengths and action times of flow stress on mRNA expression of H+-ATPase in osteoclasts. Osteoclasts were obtained through a classical mechanical-anatomical technique. They were identified by their morphology, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, and by a test of their ability to form resorption lacunae. Osteoclasts were mechanically loaded by flow stress using a cell-loading system. The stress-loading experiments were divided into various strength groups and action time groups. The morphological changes of osteoclasts after application of loading stress were analyzed using an image analysis system and Image-Pro Plus software. Expression of H+-ATPase mRNA in osteoclasts was detected by real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The existence of significant differences between experimental groups was analyzed using SPSS 12.0 software. The cytoplasm of osteoclasts with positive TRAP staining appeared with a characteristic claret-red color. Cells were able to form resorption pits in the surface of dentine slices. Morphological changes of osteoclasts with applied stress assumed an early increasing tendency before reaching a peak value and following a decreasing tendency. A significant difference of H+-ATPase mRNA expression of osteoclasts was seen between any two groups (P < 0.05). H+-ATPase mRNA expression in osteoclasts had a tendency to first increase with increasing stress and was observed to then decrease in one action time group. In this present study, a close relationship between the stress and mRNA expression of H+-ATPase in osteoclasts was observed.

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP), parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related peptide receptor 1 (PTHR1), and MSX1 protein are expressed in central and peripheral giant cell granulomas of the jaws

OBJECTIVE

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) binds to the parathyroid hormone receptor type 1 (PTHR1), which results in the activation of pathways in osteoblasts that promote osteoclastogenesis through the RANK/RANKL system. RANK/RANKL expression has been shown in central giant cell granuloma of the jaws but PTHrP/PTHR1 has not. MSX1 protein is a classical transcription regulator which promotes cell proliferation and inhibits cell differentiation by inhibiting master genes in tissues such as bone and muscle. It has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cherubism, and its expression has been reported in a single central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) case. We aimed, therefore, to study the expression of those proteins by the different cellular populations of central and peripheral giant cell granulomas (PGCGs) of the jaws.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty cases of CGCG and 20 cases of PGCG of the jaws were retrospectively examined by immunohistochemistry for the percentage of positively staining cells to antibodies for PTHrP, PTHR1, and MSX1, using a semiquantitative method.

RESULTS

In both CGCG and PGCG of the jaws, PTHrP and PTHR1 were abundantly expressed by type I multinucleated giant cells (MGC) and mononucleated stromal cells (MSC) with vesicular nuclei, whereas type II MGC and MSC with pyknotic nuclei expressed those proteins to a lesser extent. In both CGCG and PGCG of the jaws, MSX1 was abundantly expressed by type I MGC and MSC but type II MGC did not express it. A statistically significant difference (P < .05) was observed between CGCG and PGCG in the expression of PTHrP in type II MGC and MSC with pyknotic nuclei and in the expression of PTHR1 in type II MGC.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that in CGCG and PGCG of the jaws, PTHrP-positive immature osteoblasts activate PTHR1-positive mature osteoblasts to produce RANKL which interacts with RANK on the PTHrP/PTHR1-positive osteoclast-precursor cells found in abundance in the stroma of giant cell lesions and induces osteoclastogenesis through the classic pathway. Cells of the jawbones, the periodontal ligament, or the dental follicle, originating from the neural crest, may be involved in the pathogenesis of giant cell lesions of the jaws. Further study is required for these suggestions to be proved.

Comprehensive gene expression analysis in human periodontal ligaments of the mandibular third molars performing vertical movement and the maxillary second premolars with occlusal contact

OBJECTIVES

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is thought to be an important tissue in vertical movement during tooth eruption, but the precise molecular mechanism is not known. Thereto, comprehensive gene expression was analyzed in human PDL of mandibular third molars performing vertical movement and maxillary second premolars with occlusal contact.

DESIGN

The expression profile of 9,243 genes in the PDL of one subject was compared between vertically moving third molars and second premolars with occlusal contact by DNA microarray.

RESULTS

The expression of 27 genes showed more than a 10-fold difference between third molars and second premolars. The expression of CALB1 (encoding calbindin 1), CYP26A1 (encoding cytochrome P450, family 26, subfamily A, polypeptide 1), SPOCK3 (encoding testican-3), CCK (encoding cholecystokinin) and SCRG1 (encoding scrapie responsive protein 1) was more than 30-fold higher in PDLs of the third molars than the second premolars. CALB1 is reported to increase at the pressure side of PDL during experimental orthodontic tooth movement in rats. Interestingly, in this study, CALB1 expression showed the largest difference. In contrast, CRCT1 (encoding cysteine-rich C-terminal 1), SPRP3 (encoding small proline-rich protein 3), IL8 (encoding interleukin 8) and MMP12 (encoding matrix metalloproteinase 12) showed more than 100-fold higher expression in PDLs of the second premolars than the third molars.

CONCLUSION

The present comprehensive gene expression in PDLs provides new insights into the molecular mechanism during the vertical tooth movement.

Physiologic root resorption in primary teeth: molecular and histological events

Root resorption is a physiologic event for the primary teeth. It is still unclear whether odontoclasts, the cells which resorb the dental hard tissue, are different from the osteoclasts, the cells that resorb bone. Root resorption seems to be initiated and regulated by the stellate reticulum and the dental follicle of the underlying permanent tooth via the secretion of stimulatory molecules, i.e. cytokines and transcription factors. The primary root resorption process is regulated in a manner similar to bone remodeling, involving the same receptor ligand system known as RANK/RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B/ RANK Ligand). Primary teeth without a permanent successor eventually exfoliate as well, but our current understanding on the underlying mechanism is slim. The literature is also vague on how resorption of the pulp and periodontal ligament of the primary teeth occurs. Knowledge on the mechanisms involved in the physiologic root resorption process may enable us to delay or even inhibit exfoliation of primary teeth in those cases that the permanent successor teeth are not present and thus preservation of the primary teeth is desirable.

Quantitative and reliable in vitro method combining scanning electron microscopy and image analysis for the screening of osteotropic modulators

The increased generation and up-regulated activity of bone resorbing cells (osteoclasts) play a part in the impairment of bone remodeling in many bone diseases. Numerous drugs (bisphosphonates, calcitonin, selective estrogen receptor modulators) have been proposed to inhibit this increased osteoclastic activity. In this report, we describe a pit resorption assay quantified by scanning electron microscopy coupled with image analysis. Total rabbit bone cells with large numbers of osteoclasts were cultured on dentin slices. The whole surface of the dentin slice was scanned and both the number of resorption pits and the total resorbed surface area were measured. Resorption pits appeared at 48 h and increased gradually up to 96 h. Despite the observation of a strong correlation between the total resorption area and the number of pits, we suggest that area measurement is the most relevant marker for osteoclastic activity. Osteotropic factors stimulating or inhibiting osteoclastic activity were used to test the variations in resorption activity as measured with our method. This reproducible and sensitive quantitative method is a valuable tool for screening for osteoclastic inhibitors and, more generally, for investigating bone modulators.

Accelerated bone formation and increased osteoblast number contribute to the abnormal tooth germ development in parathyroid hormone-related protein knockout mice

Our previous study showed that tooth germs at late embryonic stage [later than embryonic day 17.5 (E17.5)] and neonatal homozygous parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP)-knockout mice are compressed or penetrated by the surrounding alveolar bone tissue. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that the development of the tooth germ proper is not disturbed, but insufficient alveolar bone resorption, due to the decreased number and hypofunction of osteoclasts, is the main cause of this abnormality. In addition to the insufficient alveolar bone resorption, progressive bone formation toward tooth germs was observed in homozygous mice, suggesting that accelerated bone formation also contributes to this abnormality. To further investigate this, homozygous mice at E14.0 and E15.5, when alveolar bone is forming, were used for histochemical and bone histomorphometric analyses. In contrast to the late embryonic stage, the alveolar bone did not yet compress developing tooth germs in homozygous mice on E14.0, but a larger amount of bone tissue was seen compared to wild-type littermates. Histomorphometric analysis of bone at E14.0 revealed that the osteoblast numbers and surfaces in the mandibles and in the bone collar of femora of homozygous mice were significantly higher than those of wild-type mice. However, unlike our previous study showing the osteoclast surface on E18.5 in homozygous mice to be significantly lower than that of wild-type mice, this study at E14.0 showed no significant difference between the two genotypes. To evaluate the amount of calcification around tooth germs, 3D images of mandibles were reconstructed from the calcein-labeled sections of the wild-type and mutant mice. Labeling was performed at E14.0, and the mice were sacrificed 1 h after the calcein injection to minimize the effect of bone resorption. Comparison of the 3D images revealed that the labeled surface was larger around developing tooth germs in homozygous mouse than in wild-type mouse. On day E15.5, osteoblasts approached the enamel organ of homozygous mice but this was not observed in wild-type mice. In this study, we report a systemic increase in osteoblast number and accelerated bone formation in homozygous PTHrP-knockout mice, both of which contribute to the abnormal tooth development.

Delayed tooth eruption and suppressed osteoclast number in the eruption pathway of heterozygous Runx2/Cbfa1 knockout mice

Genetic studies have recently identified a mutation of one allele of runt-related gene 2 (RUNX2/CBFA1) as the cause for an autosomal-dominant skeletal disorder, cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), which is characterised by hypoplasia of the clavicles and calvariae and widened sutures and fontanelles. In addition, CCD is frequently affected with multiple supernumerary teeth and the impaction and delayed eruption of teeth, the causes of all these dental abnormalities are still unknown. To clarify the cellular mechanism of the delayed tooth eruption in CCD, the process of tooth eruption was examined in heterozygous Runx2/Cbfa1 (mouse homolog of RUNX2/CBFA1) knockout mice, known to mimic most of the bone abnormalities of CCD. The timing of the appearance of maxillary and mandibular teeth into the oral cavity was significantly delayed in heterozygous mutant mice compared with wild-type mice. From postnatal days 8 to 10, an active alveolar bone resorption and a marked increase of the osteoclast surfaces was observed in the eruption pathway of both genotypes, but this increase was significantly suppressed in the mutant mice. In contrast, the osteoclast surfaces did not show a significant difference between the two genotypes in the future cortical area of femora. These results suggest that haploinsufficiency of Runx2/Cbfa1 does not effect the femoral bone remodelling but is insufficient for the active alveolar bone resorption essential for the prompt timing of tooth eruption. These results also suggest the possibility that impaired recruitment of osteoclasts is one of the cellular mechanisms of delayed tooth eruption in CCD patients.