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Osteoprotegerin-Knockout Mice Developed Early Onset Root Resorption
Yi Liu1, Haiming Du1, Yunfei Wang1
1Department of Endodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Tongji University, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Tooth Restoration and Regeneration, Shanghai, China.
Journal of Endodontics
|September 25, 2016
Summary
Loss of osteoprotegerin (OPG) accelerates root resorption by increasing osteoclast activity and decreasing cementum mineralization. This study clarifies OPG's role in this process.
Area of Science:
- Dental Research
- Bone Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The osteoprotegerin (OPG)/RANKL/RANK pathway is implicated in root resorption.
- The precise role of OPG in root resorption remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of osteoprotegerin (OPG) in root resorption.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated first molars in osteoprotegerin-knockout (Opg-KO) and wild-type (WT) mice using micro-CT, histology, and immunohistochemistry.
- Assessed osteoclast activity in vitro using induced osteoclast-like cells.
- Established an in vitro co-culture model to evaluate cementum quality.
Main Results:
- Opg-KO mice exhibited root resorption starting at 4 weeks, with extensive cementum damage by 52 weeks.
- Increased tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells and elevated expression of resorption-related genes/proteins were observed in Opg-KO mice.
- In vitro studies showed larger cementum resorption pits in Opg-KO mice.
Conclusions:
- Loss of OPG significantly accelerates root resorption.
- OPG deficiency leads to increased osteoclast activation and reduced cementum mineralization.
