WNT gene polymorphisms and predisposition to apical periodontitis.

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Oral Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in WNT genes can alter gene/protein function.
• These alterations may predispose individuals to apical periodontitis (AP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between SNPs in WNT3, WNT3A, WNT5A, WNT8A, WNT9B, and WNT11 genes and apical periodontitis (AP).

Main Methods:

• Case-control study comparing individuals with AP and deep caries to controls with deep caries but no AP.
• Genotyping using real-time PCR with Taqman chemistry.
• Statistical analysis with Fisher Exact tests and Bonferroni correction.
• Luciferase reporter assays and gene expression analysis in AP tissues.

Main Results:

• A trend for association between WNT3 rs9890413 genotypes and AP.
• Allelic association for WNT3A rs1745420 with AP.
• Significant association of WNT3-WNT9B-WNT3A haplotypes with AP.
• Increased transcriptional activity with the alternate G allele in WNT3A rs1745420.
• Elevated WNT3, WNT3A, and WNT5A expression in AP tissues, inversely correlated with SERPINB1, COL1A1, and TIMP1.

Conclusions:

• WNT genes play a role in modulating apical periodontitis (AP).
• Polymorphisms in WNT genes may increase susceptibility to AP.
• Gene expression patterns of WNTs and associated genes provide insights into AP pathogenesis.