Mixed lineage kinase domain-like pseudokinase-mediated necroptosis aggravates periodontitis progression

Necroptosis is a form of cell death that is reportedly involved in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. The role of Mlkl-involved necroptosis remains unclear. Herein, this project aimed to explore the role of MLKL-mediated necroptosis in periodontitis in vitro and in vivo. Expression of RIPK3, MLKL, and phosphorylated MLKL was observed in gingival tissues obtained from healthy subjects or patients with periodontitis. The cell viability of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS-Pg)-treated cells was detected. In wild type or Mlkl deficiency mice with ligature-induced periodontitis, alveolar bone loss and osteoclast activation were assessed. mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines in bone marrow-derived macrophages were tested by qRT-PCR. Increased expression of RIPK3, MLKL, and phosphorylated MLKL was observed in gingival tissues obtained from patients with periodontitis. Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS-Pg)-treated cells developed necroptosis after caspase inhibition and negatively regulated the NF-κB signaling pathway. In mice with ligature-induced periodontitis, Mlkl deficiency reduced alveolar bone loss and weakened osteoclast activation. Furthermore, genetic ablation of Mlkl in LPS-Pg-treated bone marrow-derived macrophages increased the mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (Il)-1β, Il-6, cyclooxygenase 2, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand. Our data indicated that MLKL-mediated necroptosis aggravates the development of periodontitis in a Mlkl-deficient mouse. This will provide a new sight for the understanding of etiology and therapies of periodontitis. KEY MESSAGES: MLKL expression was up-regulated in inflamed human gingival tissue. Mlkl deficiency affected the progression of periodontitis. Necroptosis played a major role in mice periodontitis model. Knockout of Mlkl had a significant effect on inflammatory responses.