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TGF-β Signaling Regulates Cementum Formation through Osterix Expression.
Hwajung Choi1, Yu-Hyun Ahn1, Tak-Heun Kim1
1Cluster for Craniofacial Development and Regeneration Research, Institute of Oral Biosciences, Chonbuk National University School of Dentistry, Jeonju 54896, South Korea.
Scientific Reports
|May 17, 2016
Summary
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling is crucial for cementum formation. Loss of TGF-β receptor II in mice significantly reduces cementum mass by downregulating osterix (Osx) expression.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are vital for mammalian development, particularly in bone and tooth formation.
- The specific role of autonomous TGF-β signaling in mouse tooth development requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional significance of TGF-β signaling in mouse tooth development.
- To define the molecular mechanisms by which TGF-β signaling influences cementogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of osteocalcin-Cre mediated Tgfbr2 conditional knockout mice (OC(Cre)Tgfbr2(fl/fl)).
- Establishment of a mouse cementoblast model (OCCM-30 cells) with reduced TβRII expression.
- Assessment of matrix secretion, mineral apposition rates, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and gene expression.
Main Results:
- OC(Cre)Tgfbr2(fl/fl) mice showed significantly reduced cellular cementum mass, matrix secretion, and mineral apposition rates.
- Decreased TβRII expression in OCCM-30 cells led to reduced osterix (Osx) expression, ALP activity, and cementogenesis-associated gene expression.
- Osx transduction partially rescued the cellular defects.
- TGF-β signaling was found to directly regulate Osx expression via a Smad-dependent pathway.
Conclusions:
- TGF-β signaling, mediated by TβRII, is essential for normal cementum formation.
- TGF-β signaling acts as a key upstream regulator of Osx in cementoblast differentiation and cementogenesis.
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