Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
09:30
Detection of Functional Matrix Metalloproteinases by Zymography
Published on: November 8, 2010
85.1K
Differential Matrix Metalloprotease (MMP) Expression Profiles Found in Aged Gingiva
Suhee Kim1,2, Sun Hee Ahn1, Jin-Sil Lee1
1Department of Oral Biochemistry, Dental Science Research Institute, Medical Research Center for Biomineralization Disorders, School of Dentistry, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
Plos One
|July 9, 2016
Summary
Gingival aging involves genetic changes, with Matrix metalloprotease 12 (MMP12) potentially marking natural aging. Other MMPs and Interleukin-1 beta (IL1B) may indicate aging accelerated by infection.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Genomics
- Aging research
Background:
- The periodontium exhibits age-related changes, but the specific genes involved remain largely unknown.
- Understanding the genetic basis of gingival aging is crucial for periodontium health.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the transcriptomic landscape of aging gingiva.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related genetic alterations in human gingiva at the transcriptomic level.
- To identify key genes and pathways associated with gingival aging.
- To differentiate between natural aging and infection-induced aging markers in gingival tissues.
Main Methods:
- RNA sequencing was employed to analyze gene expression differences between young and old human gingival tissues.
- Real-time PCR was used for verification of differentially expressed genes.
- In vitro studies with human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) were conducted to assess the role of specific genes and bacterial infection.
Main Results:
- A total of 1939 mRNA transcripts exhibited significant differential expression between young and old gingival tissues.
- Matrix metalloprotease (MMP) regulation emerged as the top pathway in gingival aging.
- Upregulation of MMP3, MMP9, MMP12, MMP13, and IL1B was observed in older gingival tissues and fibroblasts, with MMP3, MMP9, and IL1B showing heightened stimulation upon Fusobacterium nucleatum infection in older cells.
Conclusions:
- MMP12 upregulation may serve as a molecular hallmark of natural gingival aging.
- Upregulations of MMP3, MMP9, and IL1B could indicate externally induced aging, such as from bacterial infection.
- These findings provide insights into molecular targets for understanding and potentially intervening in gingival aging processes.
