GSK3β is a checkpoint for TNF-α-mediated impaired osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in

Xiangwei Kong1, Yan Liu, Ruidong Ye

  • 1Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Research and Development Center for Tissue Engineering, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; Department of Stomatology, Nanjing Bayi Hospital, Nanjing, China.

Abstract

Insights

Inflammatory conditions impair bone regeneration by inhibiting mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation via TNF-α. Targeting GSK3β rescues this inhibition, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for bone repair.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Stem Cell Biology
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiation is crucial for bone regeneration but is impaired in inflammatory conditions.
  • Chronic inflammatory bone diseases hinder bone regeneration, necessitating an understanding of underlying molecular mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms by which inflammation inhibits osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs).
  • To determine the role of GSK3β in the inflammatory suppression of MSC osteogenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Isolated PDLSCs from periodontitis patients and healthy controls.
  • Measured inflammatory cytokine secretion (ELISA) and protein expression (Western blot).
  • Assayed Tcf/Lef transcriptional activity and manipulated GSK3β levels (siRNA, adenoviruses).

Main Results:

  • Periodontitis-derived PDLSCs showed impaired osteogenic capacity compared to healthy controls.
  • TNF-α directly suppressed PDLSC osteogenic differentiation by inducing GSK3β phosphorylation.
  • GSK3β inactivation rescued osteogenesis by modulating β-catenin/Lef-1/Runx2 pathway.

Conclusions:

  • GSK3β is essential in TNF-α-mediated inhibition of osteogenesis in MSCs.
  • Targeting GSK3β presents a potential therapeutic approach for bone regeneration in inflammatory settings.

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