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Published on: October 27, 2023
Integrative Multi-omics and Single-Cell Profiling Identify Cell-Type-Resolved Inflammatory Drivers in Symptomatic
Yixin Chen1, Jinsun Jeong2, Hiran Perinpanayagam3
1Department of Endodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Research Center of Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shandong University, No. 44 Wenhua Road West, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
This study identifies molecular signatures for symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP), a painful dental condition. Saliva tests for NF-κB1 and TRAF1 show promise for diagnosing pulp inflammation non-invasively.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) presents diagnostic challenges due to vague pain localization.
- Current diagnosis relies on subjective pain reports, leading to uncertainty and potential overtreatment.
- Objective molecular signatures are needed for accurate SIP diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify objective molecular signatures for symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP).
- To integrate multiomics data for understanding pulp inflammation and pain modulation.
- To explore non-invasive salivary biomarkers for SIP diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Proteomic profiling of pulp tissue using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
- Transcriptional expression analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing to map gene expression to cell types.
- Western blotting for protein validation and salivary Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for biomarker quantification.
Main Results:
- Quantified 5,057 proteins, revealing activated leukocyte-mediated immunity and nociception pathways.
- Identified six consistently upregulated molecules: MMP9, NCF2, NF-κB1, CAMK1, TRAF1, and NACC1.
- Confirmed cell-type-specific expression and validated elevated salivary levels of NF-κB1 and TRAF1 in SIP patients.
Conclusions:
- Provides a cell-type-resolved understanding of pulpitis-associated inflammatory drivers.
- Identified NF-κB1 and TRAF1 as potential salivary biomarkers for SIP.
- Highlights potential for objective molecular diagnostics in endodontics.