Validation Study On The Differentiation Of Human Periodontal Ligament Cells In The Presence Of Cementum Protein 1 And Periostin
Abstract
Existing research alludes to the fact that human periodontal ligament cells differentiate into an ossifying phenotype in response to differential gene expression during orthodontic tooth movement. The purpose of this research was to validate the differentiation of human periodontal ligament cells of young individuals in the presence of specific proteins and stimuli (cementum protein, periostin and osteogenic media), which mimic the environment of the periodontal ligament. Another objective was to assess the differential gene expression within these cells under the same conditions. A protocol was developed to provide a collagen-protein scaffold on which human periodontal ligament cells were maintained for one or three weeks. A mineralization assay and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed at each timepoint. The results indicated that in the presence of the aforementioned conditions, human periodontal ligament cells differentiate and produce calcium. The response of specific genes (ALP and OCN) supported this finding. Further research is indicated to support this claim and provide comparison of the response of human periodontal ligament cells in an older population.