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Updated: Jul 20, 2026

A Mouse Model for Pathogen-induced Chronic Inflammation at Local and Systemic Sites
Published on: August 8, 2014
Porphyromonas gingivalis OMVs promoting endothelial dysfunction via the STING pathway in periodontitis
Zhenwei Chen1,2, Ye Cao1,2, Wenxiu Jiang1,2
1Department of Orthodontics, The Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
Objective:
This study aimed to assess the effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis outer membrane vesicles (Pg-OMVs) in chronic periodontitis and explore the underlying mechanism involved.
Methods:
In vitro, Pg-OMVs were incubated with Ea.hy926 (vessel endothelial cells, ECs) to evaluate their effects on endothelial functions and to investigate the underlying mechanism. The effects of endothelial dysfunction on MG63 osteoblast-like cells were verified using an indirect co-culture method. For in vivo studies, micro-CT was conducted to identify alveolar bone mass. Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to confirm the levels of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in the blood vessel and the number of Runx2+ cells around the alveolar bone.
Results:
Pg-OMVs were endocytosed by ECs, leading to endothelial dysfunction. The cGAS-STING-TBK1 pathway was activated in ECs, which subsequently inhibited MG63 migration and early osteogenesis differentiation. In vivo, Pg-OMVs promoted alveolar bone resorption, increased STING levels in the blood vessel, and decreased Runx2+ cells around the alveolar bone.
Conclusions:
Pg-OMVs caused endothelial dysfunction and activated the cGAS-STING-TBK1 signal cascade in ECs, thereby impairing ECs-mediated osteogenesis. Furthermore, Pg-OMVs aggregated alveolar bone loss and altered the blood vessel-mediated osteogenesis with elevated STING.
Insights
Porphyromonas gingivalis outer membrane vesicles (Pg-OMVs) induce endothelial dysfunction and activate the cGAS-STING-TBK1 pathway, leading to impaired bone formation and alveolar bone loss in periodontitis.
Area of Science:
- Oral microbiology
- Periodontology
- Cell biology
Background:
- Chronic periodontitis is a prevalent inflammatory disease.
- Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) is a key pathogen in periodontitis.
- Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) mediate bacterial pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Pg-OMVs on endothelial cells and osteogenesis.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms involving the cGAS-STING-TBK1 pathway.
- To assess the in vivo impact of Pg-OMVs on alveolar bone mass.
Main Methods:
- In vitro incubation of Pg-OMVs with endothelial cells (Ea.hy926) and osteoblast-like cells (MG63).
- Assessment of endothelial function and osteoblast migration/differentiation.
- In vivo micro-CT and immunofluorescence staining for alveolar bone, STING, and Runx2+ cells.
Main Results:
- Pg-OMVs induced endothelial dysfunction via cGAS-STING-TBK1 pathway activation.
- Endothelial dysfunction inhibited MG63 cell migration and osteogenic differentiation.
- In vivo, Pg-OMVs promoted alveolar bone resorption and increased STING levels.
Conclusions:
- Pg-OMVs contribute to periodontitis pathogenesis by causing endothelial dysfunction.
- The cGAS-STING-TBK1 pathway is a critical mediator of Pg-OMV-induced damage.
- Pg-OMVs impair bone regeneration and promote bone loss through vascular alterations.
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