Long noncoding RNA expression profile of mouse cementoblasts under compressive force.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Genomics
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Cementoblasts are crucial for tooth root development and maintenance.
• Mechanical forces, like compression, play a significant role in orthodontic tooth movement.
• Understanding cellular responses to mechanical stress is vital for regenerative dentistry and orthodontics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the differential expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in mouse cementoblasts subjected to mechanical compression.
• To identify specific lncRNAs and associated signaling pathways regulated by compressive force in cementoblasts.
• To provide a foundation for understanding the role of lncRNAs in cementoblast response to mechanical stimuli and root resorption.

Main Methods:

• Mouse cementoblasts were subjected to controlled compression (1.5 g/cm² for 8 hours).
• RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was employed to analyze global gene expression profiles.
• Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used for lncRNA validation.
• Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• Mechanical compression resulted in differential expression of 70 lncRNAs and 521 messenger RNAs (mRNAs).
• Of the differentially expressed lncRNAs, 57 were upregulated and 13 were downregulated.
• Validated lncRNAs (e.g., Prkcz2, Hklos) and pathways (HIF-1α, FOXO, mTOR) were identified, linked to hypoxia and apoptosis.

Conclusions:

• Mechanical compression significantly alters the lncRNA expression profile of cementoblasts.
• The findings highlight the role of specific lncRNAs and pathways in cellular responses to mechanical stress.
• This research offers valuable insights into lncRNA regulation in compressed cementoblasts and their potential involvement in root resorption during orthodontic treatment.