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Updated: Feb 3, 2026

Formation of Human Periodontal Ligament Cell Spheroids on Chitosan Films
Published on: June 19, 2019
YAP regulates periodontal ligament cell differentiation into myofibroblast interacted with RhoA/ROCK pathway
Yao He1, Hui Xu2,3, Zichao Xiang2,3
1Department of Orthodontics, Stomatological Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Abstract:
During orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) receive the mechanical stimuli and transform it into myofibroblasts (Mfbs). Indeed, previous studies have demonstrated that mechanical stimuli can promote the expression of Mfb marker α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in PDLCs. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), as the target gene of yes-associated protein (YAP), has been proven to be involved in this process. Here, we sought to assess the role of YAP in Mfbs differentiation from PDLCs. The time-course expression of YAP and α-SMA was manifested in OTM model in vivo as well as under tensional stimuli in vitro. Inhibition of RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) pathway using Y27632 significantly reduced tension-induced Mfb differentiation and YAP expression. Moreover, overexpression of YAP with lentiviral transfection in PDLCs rescued the repression effect of Mfb differentiation induced by Y27632. These data together suggest a crucial role of YAP in regulating tension-induced Mfb differentiation from PDLC interacted with RhoA/ROCK pathway.
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