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Updated: Jul 26, 2026
Isolation, Characterization and MicroRNA-based Genetic Modification of Human Dental Follicle Stem Cells
Published on: November 16, 2018
Study on the biological effects and mechanisms of demineralized dentin matrix on human gingival fibroblasts
Xiaofeng Xu1, Kaijin Lin2, Bowei Zhou2
1Department of Stomatology, Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, Putian, China; Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial & Stomatological Key Lab of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Institute of Stomatology & Research Center of Dental and Craniofacial Implants, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
Background:
Demineralized dentin matrix (DDM) is a bioactive tissue known to promote bone regeneration by enhancing osteoblast proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Recent studies suggest that DDM may also stimulate fibroblast proliferation, adhesion, and migration. However, the inductive capacity of DDM on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and its underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. This study aims to investigate the effects of DDM on HGFs and to elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms involved.
Methods:
The effects of DDM on HGFs migration and adhesion were investigated using a multi-step approach. First, the optimal DDM concentration for co-culture with HGFs was determined using a cell migration assay. Next, Transwell migration assays and scanning electron microscopy were employed to evaluate the impact of DDM on HGFs migration and adhesion. Subsequently, high-throughput sequencing was performed on co-cultured HGFs and a control group to analyze and identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Finally, the expression of three DEGs was validated using RT-qPCR.
Results:
The optimal concentration of DDM for promoting HGFs migration was determined to be 10 mg/mL. The Transwell assay revealed a significantly higher number of migrating HGFs in the DDM-treated group compared to the control group. Scanning electron microscopy imaging showed that HGFs adhered to and spread on the DDM surface. Transcriptome analysis identified 64 DEGs between the HGFs monoculture group and the DDM co-culture group, with 6 genes upregulated and 57 downregulated. GO functional enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that these DEGs were primarily enriched in biological processes related to immune and inflammatory responses. The expression levels of three key DEGs were further validated using qRT-PCR, and the results were consistent with the RNA-Seq data.
Conclusions:
DDM exhibits biocompatibility and enhances HGFs migration. This suggests that DDM may play a crucial role in promoting gingival soft tissue healing by regulating biological processes and gene expression related to immune and inflammatory responses.
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