Porphyromonas gingivalis Fimbriae Induce Osteoclastogenesis via Toll-like Receptors in RAW264 Cells

Yuki Suzuki1, Takeshi Kikuchi1, Hisashi Goto1

  • 1Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University, 2-11 Suemori-dori, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8651, Japan.

Insights

Porphyromonas gingivalis Mfa1 fimbriae promote osteoclast formation and bone resorption, contributing to periodontal disease. Toll-like receptors TLR2 and TLR4 mediate Mfa1

Area of Science:

  • Oral microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Periodontology

Background:

  • The role of Porphyromonas gingivalis Mfa1 fimbriae in bone resorption, a key feature of periodontal disease, is not fully understood.
  • Comparison with FimA fimbriae is needed to clarify Mfa1's specific contribution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of Mfa1 fimbriae on osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption.
  • To elucidate the involvement of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in Mfa1 recognition during osteoclast differentiation.

Main Methods:

  • RAW264 cells were stimulated with purified Mfa1 fimbriae after prestimulation with RANKL.
  • Osteoclast formation was assessed by TRAP staining, bone resorption by resorption assays, and gene expression by qPCR.
  • The role of TLR2 and TLR4 was investigated using siRNA transfections.

Main Results:

  • Mfa1 fimbriae significantly induced osteoclast formation and activation, evidenced by TRAP-positive multinucleated cells and bone resorption.
  • Mfa1 increased the expression of osteoclast differentiation markers (Acp5, Mmp9, Ctsk).
  • Osteoclastogenesis induced by Mfa1 was significantly reduced when TLR2 or TLR4 were silenced.

Conclusions:

  • Mfa1 fimbriae play a crucial role in promoting osteoclastogenesis.
  • TLR2 and TLR4 are involved in Mfa1 recognition and subsequent osteoclast differentiation.
  • These findings contribute to understanding periodontal disease mechanisms and may inform new therapeutic strategies.