Hsa-miRNA-143-3p regulates the odontogenic differentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla by targeting NFIC.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of hsa-miRNA-143-3p on the cytodifferentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla (hSCAPs) and the post-transcriptional regulation of Nuclear factor I-C (NFIC). METHODOLOGY: miRNA expression profiles in human immature permanent teeth and during hSCAP differentiation were examined. hSCAPs were treated with miR-143-3p overexpression or silencing viruses, and the proliferation and odontogenic and osteogenic differentiation of these stem cells, and the involvement of the NFIC pathway, were investigated. Luciferase reporter and NFIC mutant plasmids were used to confirm NFIC mRNA as a direct target of miR-143-3p. NFIC expression analysis in the miR-143-3p overexpressing hSCAPs was used to investigate whether miR-143-3p functioned by targeting NFIC. Student's t-test and chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: miR-143-3p expression was screened by microarray profiling and was found to be significantly reduced during hSCAP differentiation (p < .05). Overexpression of miR-143-3p inhibited the mineralization of hSCAPs significantly (p < .05) and downregulated the levels of odontogenic differentiation markers (NFIC [p < .05], DSP [p < .01] and KLF4 [p < .01]), whereas silencing of miR-143-3p had the opposite effect. The luciferase reporter gene detection and bioinformatic approaches identified NFIC mRNA as a potential target of miR-143-3p. NFIC overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of miR-143-3p on the odontogenic differentiation of hSCAPs. CONCLUSIONS: miR-143-3p maintained the stemness of hSCAPs and modulated their differentiation negatively by directly targeting NFIC. Thus, inhibition of this miRNA represents a potential strategy to promote the regeneration of damaged tooth roots.

[Effects of stromal cell-derived factor-1 on proliferation, migration, and odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on proliferation, migration, and odontoblastic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) in vitro. METHODS: DPSCs were cultured in vitro and treated with either 100 µg/L SDF-1 or 100 µg/L G-CSF. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony-forming unit (CFU) were used to detect the effect of SDF-1 and G -CSF on the proliferation ability of DPSC. Cell migration of DPSC was determined by wound healing assay and Transwell migration assay. The effects of SDF-1 and G-CSF on odontoblastic differentiation of DPSC were evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity and alizarin red S staining. The expression of odontoblastic-related genes such as dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP-1) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) were quantified by real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: SDF-1 and G-CSF promoted the proliferation of DPSC slightly, but the difference was not statistically significant. Wound healing assay showed that SDF-1 and G-CSF promoted cell migration of DPSC significantly (P<0.01), but there was no significant difference between the two factors. In Transwell migration assay, the number of migrated cells of the control group was 5.0 ± 1.4 per sight, while the SDF-1 group was 24.3 ± 6.8 per sight and the G-CSF group was 11.8 ± 3.3 per sight, suggesting that cell migration of DPSC was improved significantly after being treated with SDF-1 or G-CSF, and SDF-1 was more effective than G-CSF (P<0.05). Significantly greater odontoblastic differentiation potential was found in SDF-1 group and G-CSF group based on the ALP staining. Higher ALP activity, more mineralization nodule formation and higher expressions of DMP-1 and DSPP were also found after SDF-1 or G-CSF treatment. CONCLUSION: SDF-1 had no significant effect on the proliferation of DPSC, but could significantly promote cell migration and odontoblastic differentiation of DPSC. Its effect on DPSC was better than G-CSF.

[Influence of feeding patterns on the development of teeth, dentition and jaw in children].

Breastfeeding has been recognized as the most natural and nutritious way of feeding babies. Besides the nutritional, immunological and emotional benefits, breastfeeding promotes a healthy stomatognathic system. First of all, the nutrients and minerals in maternal milk are easy to be absorbed by the infants, which contributes to the mineralization of the teeth, and suppress the propagation of bacteria on the teeth. Though the jury is still out on whether breastfeeding can prevent Early Childhood Caries (ECC), it is definite that we should pay attention to feeding at night and the oral hygiene of the babies. Secondly, the method of feeding is closely bound up with the development of dentition and jaw. Breast- and bottle-feeding involve different orofacial muscles, which possibly have different effects on the harmonic growth of maxilla and dental arches. Meanwhile, breathing, swallowing and mastication should be developing in harmony, and differences exist in the learning of the coordinated movement between breast feeding and bottle feeding children. Bottle feeding had been proved to be closely related with the non-nutritive sucking habits which can cause malocclusion. At last, it should be pointed out that breast feeding should be the only feeding source in the first 6 months of life, then supplementary foods should be added. And prolonged bottle feeding should be avoided. We can see that breast feeding is definitely good for the infants, but the reality is not optimistic in our country.

[Degradation evaluation and success of pulpectomy with a modified primary root canal filling in primary molars].

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical and radiographic success rates of a modified primary root canal filling (ingredients: zinc oxide-eugenol, iodoform and calcium hydroxide, MPRCF) vs. zinc oxide-eugenol cement (ZOE) and calcium hydroxide/iodoform paste (Vitapex) in pulpectomized primary molars at the end of 6 and 12 months, and to evaluate the degradation of materials in the root canals and in apical area. METHODS: In the study, 160 primary molars from 155 children (the average age: 5.88±1.27 years) that met the inclusion criteria were allocated to one of the three materials via block randomization. A two-visit pulpectomy was performed by an investigator. The clinical and radiographic diagnoses were blindly assessed by other two investigators. RESULTS: At the end of 6 and 12 months, the ZOE and MPRCF success rates were 100% both in clinical and radiographic evaluation. The Vitapex group showed the clinical success of 100% at the end of 6 months and 94.5% at the end of 12 months. Radiographic evaluation for the Vitapex group showed 80.4% success at the end of 6 months and 60.7% at the end of 12 months. No statistically significant differences were noted at the end of 6 months in the three groups both in clinical and radiographic evaluation. The success rates in clinical and radiographic evaluation at the end of 12 months for ZOE and MPRCF groups were not significantly different, and better than those for Vitapex group with statistically significant difference. The completely resorb rate of excess extruded extraradicularly were 14.3%, 100% and 71.4% for ZOE, Vitapex and MPRCF at the end of 12 months. The rates of resorption of material at the same rate of the root were 5.8%, 7.2% and 40.9% for ZOE, Vitapex and MPRCF at the end of 12 months. CONCLUSION: MPRCF, a mixture of zinc oxide eugenol and iodoform with calcium hydroxide can be used as a root canal filling material in primary teeth, taking account of the success rate and resorbing at a similar rate with the roots of the primary teeth.

[Spatiotemporal expression pattern of E-cadherin and P-cadherin during mouse tooth development].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression patterns of E-cadherin and P-cadherin in murine-tooth germs at early developmental stages. METHODS: Mandible samples of CD1 mice from embryonic day 12.5 to postnatal day 3.5 were collected. The expressions of E-cadherin and P-cadherin in murine mandibular first molar germs were detected by immunofluorescence and observed under confocal fluorescence microscope. HE staining was performed for tissue morphology. RESULTS: Both E-cadherin and P-cadherin were widely expressed in the epithelial tissues through early developmental stages. The E-cadherin expression was increased in polarizing pre-ameloblasts, whereas the P-cadherin expression declined. The expression of the P-cadherin could be detected in epithelial tissues before bud stage, and expressed in mature ameloblasts at secretory stage. CONCLUSION: The E-cadherin and P-cadherin expressed in different spatiotemporal expression patterns, indicating their individual functions during tooth development. P-cadherin might function in the secretion and mineralization of enamel.

[Influence of the effect of general anaesthesia and restraint during dental treatment on dental anxiety and behavior in children].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the level of dental anxiety and dental behavior between dental fear children with dental treatment under general anaesthesia (GA) and those under restraint. METHODS: The GA group included 31 dental fear children aged 4-6-year-old who received dental treatment under the GA. The restraint group included 31 dental fear children aged 4-6-year-old who received dental treatment under the restraint. Age, gender, parent's education level, decayed-missing-filled-tooth (dmft) and face version of the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDASf) score before treatment were matched between the two groups. The Chinese version of MCDASf was used to evaluate the level of dental anxiety in each child before treatment, right after treatment and before examination at recall visit 2-3 weeks after treatment. And the Chinese version of Venham Clinical Anxiety and Cooperative Behavior Scale was used to evaluate children's dental behavior in each child before treatment and before examination at recall visit 2-3 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: The average scores of MCDASf in GA group right after treatment and before recall were lower than that before treatment. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Furthermore, the average score of MCDASf before recall was lower than those after treatment, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The average scores of MCDASf in restraint group right after treatment and 2-3 weeks after treatment were higher than those before treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Children's dental behavior was significantly improved at recall visit in both groups (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Dental fear could be reduced by treatment under GA. The children's dental behavior was improved after GA. Restraint did not result in the significant elevation of dental anxiety level, but dental behavior was improved after restraint during the short-term recall.

Nuclear factor I-C expression pattern in developing teeth and its important role in odontogenic differentiation of human molar stem cells from the apical papilla.

Nuclear factor I-C (NFIC) has an important role in the development of murine dental roots, but its role in human root formation is unreported. We thus elucidated the regulatory role of NFIC in the differentiation of human stem cells from the apical papilla (hSCAPs). The first step for this was to determine the expression of NFIC in human teeth, and it was found that NFIC expression was restricted to the odontoblasts and preodontoblasts of the developing molars of humans and mice. NFIC was found to be expressed in odontoblast-like cells after the subcutaneous transplantation of hSCAPs. NFIC expression was concomitant with dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) in the mineralization of hSCAPs. NFIC knockdown in hSCAPs significantly inhibited expression of DSPP and promoted that of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), meanwhile upregulated the expression of TGF-ß1 and downregulated SMAD3 and SMAD4. NFIC expression was significantly upregulated after TGF-ß1 treatment in hSCAPs. NFIC knockdown prolonged G1 phase of the cell cycle, but had no effect on cell proliferation and migration. These results suggest that NFIC is involved in the development of human root dentin and the regulation of odontoblastic differentiation of hSCAPs. NFIC may participate in the DMP1-DSPP signaling pathway and comprises a complex signaling cycle with TGF-ß1.

[Marginal microleakage of cavities prepared with Er:YAG laser on primary teeth in vitro].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the marginal microleakage after cavity preparation by Er:YAG laser and conventional bur applying different adhesive systems, conditioning surface with acid etching or not. METHODS: In the study, 50 primary teeth were divided into 5 groups. (1) Bur + etch-and-rinse system, (2) Bur + self-etching system, (3) Er:YAG laser + etch-and-rinse system, (4) Er:YAG laser + self-etching system, (5) Er:YAG laser + none-etched. The class V cavities were all filled with composite resin. The microleakage tests were performed, observed and scored under stereomicroscope. RESULTS: Bur + etch-and-rinse group had higher microleakage than Er:YAG laser+etch-and-rinse group, and Bur+self-etching group had higher microleakage than Er:YAG laser + self-etching group(P<0.05). There was no difference between Er:YAG laser + etch-and-rinse group and Er:YAG laser + self-etching group, while they had significantly lower microleakage than that of Er:YAG + none-etched group. CONCLUSION: Composite resin restoration showed less marginal microleakage when all-in-one self-etch system was used after irradiation by Er:YAG laser on primary teeth.

[Evaluation of therapeutic effect of children's dental treatment under general anesthesia: 111 cases report].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively evaluate the efficiency of dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) in child patients, and analyze the related factors. METHODS: The records of patients treated under GA in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, between Aug 2008 and Jun 2012 were collected and analyzed. Two hundred and twenty eight records were found, of which 111 patients under 18 years old who were recalled more than 3 months after GA were selected randomly. The unplanned treatments including caries, failed restoration, root canal treatment and space maintenance fall-off etc. were recorded and analyzed. The survival rate and median survival time of the teeth were calculated, and a multivariate analysis was performed by Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: Totally, there were 1 415 teeth treated under GA. The median survival time was 825 days, 77.0% of the teeth were present during their recall period. The median time of the first unplanned treatment was 215 days, and the failed restoration was the main reason for the unplanned treatment. Other factors such as the age at treatment, gender, total number of decayed teeth, reason for GA, and living place were found unassociated with the survival rate. CONCLUSION: The effect of dental treatment under GA is satisfied. Regular dental visit after GA is very important for children's dental health.

Msx1 regulates proliferation and differentiation of mouse dental mesenchymal cells in culture.

The homeobox, msh-like 1 (MSX1) protein is essential for cell proliferation and differentiation. Tooth germ development of Msx1 knockout mouse is arrested at the bud stage, impeding an understanding of its role beyond this stage of tooth development. The aims of this study were to investigate the potential role of MSX1 in the regulation of proliferation and differentiation of dental mesenchymal cells in culture, and to preliminarily explore its underlying mechanism of action. Tooth germs were isolated from embryonic day (E)15.5 mice. The mesenchyme was separated and digested into a single-cell suspension, and then cultured in vitro. Isolated dental mesenchymal cells were transfected with MSX1 small interfering RNA, and the effects on cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (Bmp2) and bone morphogenetic protein 4 (Bmp4) were studied. We also compared the expression levels of alkaline phosphatase (Alp), type I collagen (Col1A), osteocalcin (Ocn), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), dentin sialophosphoprotein (Dspp) and dentin matrix protein 1 (Dmp1), and mineralized nodule formation, between control and MSX1 siRNA-transfected groups after the induction of odontoblast differentiation. Knockdown of Msx1 expression was associated with decreased cell proliferation, prolonged time in the S phase of the cell cycle, enhanced odontoblast differentiation, and elevated Bmp2 and Bmp4 expression. We conclude that MSX1 may promote proliferation and prevent the differentiation of dental mesenchymal cells by the inhibition of Bmp2 and Bmp4 expression.

Effect of skimmed pasteurized milk and Hank's balanced salt solution on viability and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of skimmed pasteurized milk and Hank's balanced salt solution on the viability and osteogenic differentiation potential of the human periodontal ligament stem cells at room temperature in vitro. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human periodontal ligament stem cells were obtained from extracted healthy third molars and conserved in skimmed pasteurized milk and Hank's balanced salt solution for 1, 2, and 4 h at room temperature to detect the viability of the cells and their osteogenic differentiation potential. RESULTS: The efficacy of skimmed pasteurized milk on cell viability at 4 h was significantly higher than that of HBSS (P < 0.05), and cells stored in skimmed pasteurized milk showed significantly higher levels of mineralization than those in HBSS at 2 and 4 h (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Skimmed pasteurized milk was more effective than Hank's balanced salt solution in maintaining the viability and osteogenic differentiation potential of PDLSCs at room temperature in vitro.

[Recent advances in molecular mechanisms of supernumerary tooth formation].

Despite advances in the knowledge of tooth morphogenesis and differentiation, little is relatively known about the aetiology and molecular mechanisms underlying supernumerary tooth formation. Mice, which are commonly used for studying tooth development, only exhibit one dentition. However, a number of mouse models are now starting to provide some insight into the mechanisms that control overall tooth number within the dentition. This review describes recent advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of supernumerary tooth formation. Indeed, many of the molecular signaling pathways known to be involved in normal development of the tooth germ can also give rise to supernumerary teeth if inappropriately regulated. These include components of the Hedgehog, FGF, Wnt and BMP families, which may potentially play a role in human supernumerary tooth formation.

[Evaluation of clinical outcomes for Er:YAG laser application in caries therapy of children].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the children's perception and response to Er:YAG laser application in cavity preparation of caries in the primary teeth and young permanent teeth. METHODS: Children aged 3-15 years old who had two teeth with caries of equivalent degree were selected. One tooth was prepared by mechanical means and the other by Er:YAG laser. Immediately following treatment by laser or mechanical means, each child was asked to answer the questions in the questionnaire including sensitivity during treatment such as discomfort, pain or unpleasant sensations. Each child was asked to indicate which form of preparation, laser or mechanical, they would prefer for treatment in the future. The restorations were evaluated in 3, 6 or 12 months. RESULTS: Fifty three children with an average age 8.6±3.1 years old (17 children between 3-6 years old, 29 children between 7-12 and 7 children older than 13 years old). One hundred and twenty teeth were restored. 67% of the children considered laser preparation to be more comfortable. 21% considered same sensitive about the two means. The laser treatment was significantly less painful than mechanical treatment (P<0.05) and 72% of the children indicated that they preferred Er:YAG laser preparation for future caries treatment. There were no statistical significant difference in the two groups when compare the restoration in 3, 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSION: Er:YAG laser was considered comfortable and painless compared with mechanical bur preparation for caries therapy in children.

[A retrospective study of 693 children's dental treatment under general anesthesia].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively analyze the clinical features of children who received dental treatment under general anesthesia (GA) and the characteristics of dental treatment. METHODS: The records of 693 patients treated under GA in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, between Jan. 2001 and Dec. 2012 were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The numbers of patients treated under GA increased year-to-year. Most of them were under 4-year-old. The main reasons of dental treatment under GA were uncooperative and disabled. The average number of teeth treated was 12±4 for each child, and the average time for treating one tooth was 12 min. The 3 months follow-up rate was 60.31%, and the older, the fewer treated tooth number and out-of-town associated with the less follow-up rate. CONCLUSION: The main reasons of dental treatment under GA are uncooperative and disabled. GA is an effective and safe method for dental rehabilitation in children.

[Corrigendum] Comparison of the biological characteristics of human mesenchymal stem cells derived from exfoliated deciduous teeth, bone marrow, gingival tissue, and umbilical cord.

Subsequently to the publication of this paper, an interested reader drew to the authors' attention that, in Fig. 3 on p. 4973, the data panels shown for the "Osteogenesis" row of data for the GMSC and BMSC experiments appeared to be overlapping, such the data may have been derived from the same original source. After having examined their original data, the authors have realized that the data panel selected for the GMSC "Osteogenesis" experiment was inadvertently chosen incorrectly. The corrected version of Fig. 3 is shown below. Note that this error did not significantly affect the results or the conclusions reported in this paper, and all the authors agree to this Corrigendum. The authors are grateful to the editor of Molecular Medicine Reports for allowing them the opportunity to publish this corrigendum, and apologize to the readership for any inconvenience caused.[Molecular Medicine Reports 18: 4969­4977, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9501].

Root resorption of primary molars without successor teeth. An experimental study in the beagle dog.

Tooth agenesis is a common craniofacial congenital malformation in humans, but little is known about the mechanisms of root resorption in this condition. The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of root resorption in primary molars without successors. An animal model without permanent tooth germs was established by surgery in beagles. The times of onset of primary molar root resorption, with and without successors, were compared. The distribution of immune cells, odontoclasts, and their activating factors were determined by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Root resorption of primary mandibular molars without successors began later than physiological resorption. In primary molars without permanent germs, odontoclasts and immune cells were present mainly in the apical pulp at the start of root resorption, whereas in control teeth receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-positive cells were found mainly in the region of the periodontal ligament. CD14(+) and CD3(+) cells were found in both the pulp and the periodontal ligament region. These results suggest that the dental pulp of primary molars, as well as immune cells, may play an important role in root resorption in primary molars without permanent tooth germs.

Identification of multipotent stem cells from adult dog periodontal ligament.

Periodontal diseases, which are characterized by destruction of the connective tissues responsible for restraining the teeth within the jaw, are the main cause of tooth loss. Periodontal regeneration mediated by human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) may offer an alternative strategy for the treatment of periodontal disease. Dogs are a widely used large-animal model for the study of periodontal-disease progression, tissue regeneration, and dental implants, but little attention has been paid to the identification of the cells involved in this species. This study aimed to characterize stem cells isolated from canine periodontal ligament (cPDLSCs). The cPDLSCs, like hPDLSCs, showed clonogenic capability and expressed the mesenchymal stem cell markers STRO-1, CD146, and CD105, but not CD34. After induction of osteogenesis, cPDLSCs showed calcium accumulation in vitro. Moreover, cPDLSCs also showed both adipogenic and chondrogenic potential. Compared with cell-free controls, more cementum/periodontal ligament-like structures were observed in CB-17/SCID mice into which cPDLSCs had been transplanted. These results suggest that cPDLSCs are clonogenic, highly proliferative, and have multidifferentiation potential, and that they could be used as a new cellular therapeutic approach to facilitate successful and more predictable regeneration of periodontal tissue using a canine model of periodontal disease.

Scanning electron microscopy study of cavity preparation in deciduous teeth using the Er:YAG laser with different powers.

Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) we evaluated the morphology of cavity surfaces in deciduous teeth prepared in vitro with the Er:YAG laser with different power parameters. Eight extracted cavity-free deciduous teeth with an intact crown were prepared using a traditional handpiece or an Er:YAG laser with different parameters (10 Hz/200 mJ, 10 Hz/300 mJ and 10 Hz/400 mJ). Samples were then processed and cavity surface morphology was evaluated by SEM to detect open dentinal tubules, or melting or cracking of the dentin. SEM showed that laser cavity preparation in deciduous teeth using different parameters left no smear layer and the dentinal tubules were clear. Dentin melting was not seen after cavity preparation at 200 mJ or 300 mJ, while visible dentin melting and cracks were detected at 400 mJ. The use of the laser at 10 Hz/200 mJ and 10 Hz/300 mJ for cavity preparation in deciduous teeth is safe and effective, but higher powers may damage the dentin.

[Isolation, culture and biological characterization of Beagle stem cells from apical papilla].

OBJECTIVE: To isolate and characterize the Beagle stem cells from apical papilla. METHODS: Apical papilla was severed from the end of freshly extracted Beagle's young permanent upper anterior teeth, and digested by collagenase type I and dispase for cell culture. The isolated cells were investigated for stem cell properties by analyzing their colony-forming efficiency, growth characteristics and the expression of mesenchymal stem cell markers; and evaluating their multidifferentiation potentials including osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic potentials. Additionally, the cells were transplanted subcutaneously into immunocompromised mice to observe the mineral tissue formation. RESULTS: Our study showed that a clonogenic, rapidly proliferative population of cells existed in Beagle's apical papilla, and these cells had a significantly higher colony-forming rate than the stem cells from apical papilla derived from humans (P<0.001). These cells had multilineage differentiation ability including osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic potentials. Mineralized nodules were formed after osteogenic induction, lipid droplets were found after adipogenic induction, and the pellets showed positive immunohistochemical staining for collagen II after chondrogenic induction. These cells also expressed the mesenchymal stem cell markers including STRO-1 and CD146, while negative for CK. Moreover, these cells transplanted with hydroxyapatite in immunocompromised mice could form mineral tissue and pulp-dentin complex-like tissue. CONCLUSION: There are stem cells from the apical papilla which have high proliferation ability and multilineage differentiation potential existing in the Beagle's apical papilla.

Global genome and comparative transcriptomic analysis reveal the inulin consumption strategy of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum QS7T.

Sichuan pickle is a natural combination of probiotics and dietary fibers, in which a strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum QS7T was found to be capable of efficiently metabolizing inulin. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of inulin consumption by the strain QS7T is unclear. Therefore, this study firstly investigated the metabolic characteristics of inulin in the strain QS7T, and the results showed it could grow very well on the medium containing inulin as a carbon source (maximum OD600 nm, 1.891 ± 0.028) and degrade both short-chain oligofructose and long-chain fructan components through thin layer chromatography analysis. Genomic sequencing and analysis revealed a high percentage of functional genes associated with carbohydrate transport and metabolism, particularly glycoside hydrolase (GH) genes responsible for hydrolysing carbohydrates, within the genome of the strain QS7T. Furthermore, comparative transcriptomic analysis of L. plantarum QS7T in response to inulin or glucose indicated that functional genes associated with inulin consumption including several genes encoding PTS sugar transporters and two predicted GH32 family genes encoding beta-fructofuranosidase and beta-fructosidase were significantly up-regulated by inulin compared to the gene expression on glucose. In conclusion, we obtained a mechanistic understanding of interplay between probiotic L. plantarum QS7T derived from Sichuan pickle and natural dietary fiber, inulin; totally two operons including a sacPTS1 operon responsible for metabolizing short-chain oligofructose primarily in the cytoplasm and a fos operon responsible for extracellularly degrading all moderate and long-chain fructan components linked to inulin consumption by L. plantarum QS7T.