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Published on: July 8, 2021
Functional expression of oxytocin receptors in pulp-dentin complex
Ju Won Jung1, So Young Park1, Eun Jin Seo2
1Department of Oral Microbiology and Immunology, School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
Blocking the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) in dental pulp-derived stromal cells (DPSCs) promotes hard tissue formation. This finding offers new insights into the oxytocin-OXTR system for pulp-dentin complex regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Dental pulp-derived stromal cells (DPSCs) are vital for pulp-dentin complex integrity.
- The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) has diverse roles, but its function in dental pulp is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biological functions and significance of OXTR in DPSCs.
- To explore OXTR's role in the regenerative process of the pulp-dentin complex.
Main Methods:
- Microarray analysis of GPCR genes in human DPSCs (hDPSCs).
- Blocking OXTR activity and assessing osteogenic/odontogenic marker gene expression.
- Investigating OXTR's role in extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis via Yes-associated protein (YAP).
- Preclinical animal model study using an OXTR inhibitor on damaged pulp.
Main Results:
- High OXTR expression was detected in hDPSCs.
- OXTR blockade enhanced hDPSC differentiation into osteogenic and odontogenic lineages.
- OXTR regulates ECM homeostasis, mediated by YAP transcriptional activity.
- OXTR inhibition in vivo promoted significant hard tissue formation in damaged pulp.
Conclusions:
- OXTR plays a significant role in regulating hDPSC differentiation and ECM remodeling.
- Targeting the oxytocin-OXTR system shows potential for pulp-dentin regeneration.
- YAP mediates the genetic regulation of OXTR in DPSCs.
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