Dec2 negatively regulates bone resorption in periodontitis

The potential role of the transcription factor Differentiated embryo-chondrocyte 2 (Dec2) in the progression of inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis has been unclear. Here, the effect of Dec2 on the expression of RANKL and on osteoclastogenesis was determined.

Wild-type (WT) and Dec2 knockout (KO) mice as a model for periodontitis were used to assess alveolar bone resorption by microcomputed tomography (CT). Western blot, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunohistochemical analyses were utilized to detect inflammation and osteoclasts. Luciferase reporter and Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays examined the interaction between Dec2 and RANKL.

Micro-CT showed that the alveolar bone resorption of Dec2KO mice was more severe than WT mice after treatment with P. gingivalis. Immunohistochemistry and Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining showed active osteoclast differentiation in Dec2KO mice. There was an increase in CD11b⁺ F4/80⁺ and CD4⁺ RANKL⁺ T cells in Dec2KO mice treated with P. gingivalis. Moreover, inflammatory and immune markers were expressed at significantly higher levels in gingival mononuclear cells in Dec2KO mice. Furthermore, luciferase reporter and ChIP assays confirmed the direct binding of Dec2 protein to the RANKL gene.

Dec2 has an immune regulation ability that modulates P. gingivalis-induced periodontitis via RANKL.