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Updated: May 7, 2026
3D Imaging of PDL Collagen Fibers during Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Mandibular Murine Model
Published on: April 15, 2021
Identification of novel candidate immune biomarkers linked to osteoclast activity during orthodontic tooth movement
Lulu He1,2, Xiaoqi Wang3, Zhen Chen1
1State Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedicine Ministry of Education, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stomatology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Luoyu Road 237, Wuhan 430079, China.
Introduction:
This study aimed to identify key genes associated with osteoclast activity during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) using bulk RNA sequencing and experimental validation.
Methods:
An OTM model was established in mice by placing a nickel-titanium closed-coil spring between the maxillary first molar and incisors. Female C57BL/6 mice were assigned to Day 7, Day 14, and Control groups. Alveolar bone changes were assessed by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Osteoclasts were quantified by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining. Total RNA from alveolar bone was analyzed by bulk RNA sequencing. Selected genes were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Immune cell quantification was performed by ImmuCellAI. Immune cell infiltration, and related gene expressions were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.
Results:
A total of 227 and 152 upregulated differently expressed genes (DEGs) were identified on Day 7 and Day 14, respectively, many of which were related to immune response and osteoclastogenesis. Ten hub genes, including Il1b, Il6, Ccl3, Ccl2, Cxcl2, Mmp9, Timp1, Mmp3, Ccrl and Sele, were positively correlated with osteoclast-related genes (Lilr4b, Socs3, Ctsk, Fos, Il1b, Itgb3, Ccl3, Nmb, Ccr1, Spi1). Macrophage infiltration increased during OTM, and CCL3, CCL2, CXCL2, and CCR1 were colocalized with macrophages.
Conclusion:
Our study highlights key immune genes and immune cell involvement in OTM. These findings may provide molecular and cellular targets for modulating osteoclast activity and orthodontic tooth movement.
