[Notch activation delayed ageing of human dental pulp cells]

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Stem Cell Research
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Dental pulp cells are crucial for tooth vitality and repair.
• Cellular senescence plays a role in aging and disease.
• The Notch signaling pathway is implicated in cell differentiation and proliferation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a model of human dental pulp cells with an activated Notch signaling pathway.
• To investigate the impact of Notch pathway activation on human dental pulp cell senescence in vitro.

Main Methods:

• Human dental pulp cells were cultured and divided into activated (Jagged1 protein) and control groups.
• Notch pathway activation was confirmed by Hes1 gene expression using RT-qPCR.
• Cell morphology, activity (MTT assay), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, SA-β-Gal expression, and senescence-related gene expression (p16, p53) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Jagged1 successfully activated the Notch signaling pathway, as indicated by increased Hes1 expression.
• Activated cells exhibited delayed senescence, with later appearance of aging morphology.
• Increased cell activity, elevated ALP activity, decreased SA-β-Gal expression, and reduced p16 and p53 gene expression were observed in activated cells.

Conclusions:

• Jagged1 is effective in activating the Notch signaling pathway in dental pulp cells.
• Activation of the Notch signaling pathway demonstrates a senescence-delaying effect on human dental pulp cells.
• This suggests that modulating Notch signaling could be a strategy to maintain dental pulp cell function and viability.