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Updated: May 23, 2026

Robust Ligature-Induced Model of Murine Periodontitis for the Evaluation of Oral Neutrophils
Published on: January 21, 2020
Modulation of Wnt5a expression by periodontopathic bacteria
Hiromi Nanbara1, Nawarat Wara-aswapati, Toshiyuki Nagasawa
1Department of Periodontology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
Wingless protein 5a (Wnt5a) is upregulated in periodontitis and its expression is modulated by P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide via NF-κB and STAT1 pathways. This suggests Wnt5a as a potential therapeutic target for periodontal inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Immunology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Wingless (Wnt) proteins regulate development, immunity, and disease.
- Wnt5a signaling is crucial for macrophage inflammatory responses.
- Periodontitis involves chronic inflammation and bone loss driven by bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Wnt5a expression in periodontitis tissue.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of Wnt5a regulation by P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Main Methods:
- RT-PCR to measure Wnt5a mRNA in human periodontitis tissue and LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells.
- Analysis of NF-κB pathway activation (IκBα degradation, DNA binding).
- Investigating the roles of IFN-γ, STAT1, and TLRs in Wnt5a induction.
Main Results:
- Wnt5a mRNA was significantly upregulated in chronic periodontitis tissues compared to healthy controls.
- P. gingivalis LPS induced Wnt5a expression in THP-1 cells, more so than E. coli LPS.
- NF-κB pathway activation and STAT1 were critical for P. gingivalis LPS-induced Wnt5a expression, enhanced by IFN-γ.
Conclusions:
- P. gingivalis modulates Wnt5a expression through NF-κB and STAT1 signaling pathways.
- Wnt5a may play a significant role in periodontal inflammation.
- Targeting Wnt5a could offer novel therapeutic strategies for periodontitis.
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