Transcriptome profile of highly osteoblastic/cementoblastic periodontal ligament cell clones

Abstract Heterogeneous cell populations of osteo/cementoblastic (O/C) or fibroblastic phenotypes constitute the periodontal dental ligament (PDL). A better understanding of these PDL cell subpopulations is essential to propose regenerative approaches based on a sound biological rationale. Objective Our study aimed to clarify the differential transcriptome profile of PDL cells poised to differentiate into the O/C cell lineage. Methodology To characterize periodontal-derived cells with distinct differentiation capacities, single-cell-derived clones were isolated from adult human PDL progenitor cells and their potential to differentiate into osteo/cementoblastic (O/C) phenotype (C-O clones) or fibroblastic phenotype (C-F clones) was assessed in vitro. The transcriptome profile of the clonal cell lines in standard medium cultivation was evaluated using next-generation sequencing technology (RNA-seq). Over 230 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified, in which C-O clones showed a higher number of upregulated genes (193) and 42 downregulated genes. Results The upregulated genes were associated with the Cadherin and Wnt signaling pathways as well as annotated biological processes, including "anatomical structure development" and "cell adhesion." Both transcriptome and RT-qPCR showed up-regulation of WNT2, WNT16, and WIF1 in C-O clones. Conclusions This comprehensive transcriptomic assessment of human PDL progenitor cells revealed that expression of transcripts related to the biological process "anatomical structure development," Cadherin signaling, and Wnt signaling can identify PDL cells with a higher potential to commit to the O/C phenotype. A better understanding of these pathways and their function in O/C differentiation will help to improve protocols for periodontal regenerative therapies.

Periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stem cells modulate neutrophil responses via paracrine mechanisms.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into distinct mesenchymal cell lineages and regulate the immune response. The aim of this study was to determine whether periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PDLSCs) have the ability to modulate neutrophil responses via paracrine mechanisms. METHODS: CD105-enriched PDLSCs were seeded for 24 h and challenged with Porphyromonas gingivalis total protein extract (PgPE) (0 or 2 ug/mL) for 3 h. Cells were then washed and further cultured for 18 h and the supernatants were collected and stored. Next, neutrophil-differentiated human promyelocytic leukemia HL-60 cells (HL60D) were treated with PDLSCs supernatants and HL-60D activation and functional responses were determined. RESULTS: PgPE treatment induced higher secretion of inflammatory markers and chemokines by PDLSCs, including RANTES, eotaxin, interferon (IFN)-γ- inducible protein 10 (IP-10), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and IL-1ra (P < 0.05). HL-60D recruitment rate was increased by 4.7 ± 1.09-fold when exposed to PgPE-treated PDLSCs supernatants. PgPE-treated PDLSCs supernatants promoted a 1.78 ± 1.04-fold increase in the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by PMA-stimulated HL-60D, whereas PgPE-untreated PDLSCs supernatants led to a 16% reduction in intracellular ROS. In sharp contrast, neither PgPE-untreated nor PgPE-treated PDLSCs supernatants altered tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-1ß secretion by HL-60D cells. CONCLUSION: Together, these findings suggest an important role of PDLSCs in the recognition of P. gingivalis, paracrine recruitment and activation of antimicrobial mechanisms in innate immune cells, without interfering in cytokine responses.

Osteocytes play an important role in experimental periodontitis in healthy and diabetic mice through expression of RANKL.

AIM: Periodontitis results from bacteria-induced inflammation. A key cytokine, RANKL, is produced by a number of cell types. The cellular source of RANKL critical for periodontitis has not been established. METHODS: We induced periodontal bone loss by oral inoculation of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum in both normoglycaemic and streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mice. Experimental transgenic mice had osteocyte-specific deletion of floxed receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) mediated by DMP-1-driven Cre recombinase. Outcomes were assessed by micro-CT, histomorphometric analysis, immunofluorescent analysis of RANKL and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining for osteoclasts and osteoclast activity. RESULTS: Oral infection stimulated RANKL expression in osteocytes of wild-type mice, which was increased by diabetes and blocked in transgenic mice. Infected wild-type mice had significant bone loss and increased osteoclast numbers and activity, which were further enhanced by diabetes. No bone loss or increase in osteoclastogenesis or activity was detected in transgenic mice with RANKL deletion in osteocytes that were normoglycaemic or diabetic. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates for the first time the essential role of osteocytes in bacteria-induced periodontal bone loss and in diabetes-enhanced periodontitis.

Diabetes Enhances IL-17 Expression and Alters the Oral Microbiome to Increase Its Pathogenicity.

Diabetes is a risk factor for periodontitis, an inflammatory bone disorder and the greatest cause of tooth loss in adults. Diabetes has a significant impact on the gut microbiota; however, studies in the oral cavity have been inconclusive. By 16S rRNA sequencing, we show here that diabetes causes a shift in oral bacterial composition and, by transfer to germ-free mice, that the oral microbiota of diabetic mice is more pathogenic. Furthermore, treatment with IL-17 antibody decreases the pathogenicity of the oral microbiota in diabetic mice; when transferred to recipient germ-free mice, oral microbiota from IL-17-treated donors induced reduced neutrophil recruitment, reduced IL-6 and RANKL, and less bone resorption. Thus, diabetes-enhanced IL-17 alters the oral microbiota and renders it more pathogenic. Our findings provide a mechanistic basis to better understand how diabetes can increase the risk and severity of tooth loss.

Viability and Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Periodontal Ligament Progenitor Cells Are Maintained After Incubation With Porphyromonas gingivalis Protein Extract.

BACKGROUND: Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) is a major periodontal pathogen that contains immunostimulatory components. Periodontal ligament mesenchymal stem cells (PDLMSCs) are responsible for regeneration of the periodontium that is lost due to periodontitis. Pathologic factors within the microenvironment that impair resident PDLMSCs are not well understood. The present study investigates in vitro the effects of Pg protein extract (PgPE) on biologic properties of CD105-enriched PDL progenitor cell populations (PDL-CD105+). METHODS: Five populations of PDL-CD105+ cells were exposed to PgPE and assessed for cell viability, apoptosis, and proinflammatory gene expression (interleukin-1ß [IL-1ß], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α], and IL-6) by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, IL-6 immunostaining, activation of IL-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3 signaling pathway, and osteogenic differentiation potential. RESULTS: PgPE treatment (2 µg/mL) did not affect cell viability or survival but induced a significant increase in IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and positive staining for IL-6. A total of 29 genes from the IL-6/STAT3 pathway were upregulated on PgPE stimulation. These genes are related to biologic processes involved in the control of cell survival (B-cell lymphoma 2 [BCL2]), cell proliferation (hepatocytehepatocyte growth factor), cytokine-mediated signaling pathway (suppressor of cytokine signaling 3, C-X-C ligand 8 [CXCL8]), and response to stress (CXCL8, mitogen-activated protein kinase 3, BCL2-associated X protein, and BCL2). Additionally, PgPE treatment caused an increase in alkaline phosphatase mRNA expression in PDL-CD105+ cells after 7 days of osteogenic induction, although mineral nodule formation was comparable to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the inflammatory profile induced by PgPE treatment in PDL-CD105+ cells did not affect cell viability, apoptosis, or osteogenic differentiation, perhaps due to increased expression of genes involved in the control of cell proliferation and protection against cell death.

Osteogenic potential of periodontal ligament stem cells are unaffected after exposure to lipopolysaccharides.

Periodontitis develops as a result of a continuous interaction between host cells and subgingival pathogenic bacteria. The periodontium has a limited capacity for regeneration, probably due to changes in periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) phenotype. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of lipopolysaccharides from Porphyromonas gingivalis (PgLPS) on mesenchymal phenotype and osteoblast/cementoblast (O/C) potential of PDLSCs. PDLSCs were assessed for Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression by immunostaining technique. After, cells were exposed to PgLPS, and the following assays were carried out: (i) cell metabolic activity using MTS; (ii) gene expression for IL-1ß, TNF-α and OCT-4 by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR); (iii) flow cytometry for STRO-1 and CD105, and (iv) osteogenic differentiation. PDLSCs were positive for TLR2. PgLPS promoted cell proliferation, produced IL-1ß and TNF-α, and did not affect the expression of stem cell markers, STRO-1, CD105 and OCT-4. Under osteogenic condition, PDLSCs exposed to PgLPS showed a similar potential to differentiate toward osteoblast/cementoblast phenotype compared to control group as revealed by mineralized matrix deposition and levels of transcripts for RUNX2, ALP and OCN. These results provide evidence that PgLPS induces pro-inflammatory cytokines, but does not change the mesenchymal phenotype and osteoblast/cementoblast differentiation potential of PDLSCs.

Osteogenic potential of periodontal ligament stem cells are unaffected after exposure to lipopolysaccharides

Abstract Periodontitis develops as a result of a continuous interaction between host cells and subgingival pathogenic bacteria. The periodontium has a limited capacity for regeneration, probably due to changes in periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) phenotype. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of lipopolysaccharides from Porphyromonas gingivalis (PgLPS) on mesenchymal phenotype and osteoblast/cementoblast (O/C) potential of PDLSCs. PDLSCs were assessed for Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression by immunostaining technique. After, cells were exposed to PgLPS, and the following assays were carried out: (i) cell metabolic activity using MTS; (ii) gene expression for IL-1β, TNF-α and OCT-4 by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR); (iii) flow cytometry for STRO-1 and CD105, and (iv) osteogenic differentiation. PDLSCs were positive for TLR2. PgLPS promoted cell proliferation, produced IL-1β and TNF-α, and did not affect the expression of stem cell markers, STRO-1, CD105 and OCT-4. Under osteogenic condition, PDLSCs exposed to PgLPS showed a similar potential to differentiate toward osteoblast/cementoblast phenotype compared to control group as revealed by mineralized matrix deposition and levels of transcripts for RUNX2, ALP and OCN. These results provide evidence that PgLPS induces pro-inflammatory cytokines, but does not change the mesenchymal phenotype and osteoblast/cementoblast differentiation potential of PDLSCs.

Exposure of periodontal ligament progenitor cells to lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli changes osteoblast differentiation pattern.

UNLABELLED: Periodontal ligament mesenchymal stem cells (PDLMSCs) are an important alternative source of adult stem cells and may be applied for periodontal tissue regeneration, neuroregenerative medicine, and heart valve tissue engineering. However, little is known about the impact of bacterial toxins on the biological properties of PDLSMSCs, including self-renewal, differentiation, and synthesis of extracellular matrix. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether proliferation, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and osteogenic differentiation of CD105-enriched PDL progenitor cell populations (PDL-CD105(+) cells) would be affected by exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli (EcLPS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression was assessed in PDL-CD105(+) cells by the immunostaining technique and confirmed using Western blotting assay. Afterwards, these cells were exposed to EcLPS, and the following assays were carried out: (i) cell viability using MTS; (ii) expression of the interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) genes; (iii) osteoblast differentiation assessed by mineralization in vitro, and by mRNA levels of run-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN) determined by quantitative PCR. RESULTS: PDL-CD105+ cells were identified as positive for TLR4. EcLPS did not affect cell viability, but induced a significant increase of transcripts for IL-6 and IL-8. Under osteogenic condition, PDL-CD105+ cells exposed to EcLPS presented an increase of mineralized matrix deposition and higher RUNX2 and ALP mRNA levels when compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide evidence that CD105-enriched PDL progenitor cells are able to adapt to continuous Escherichia coli endotoxin challenge, leading to an upregulation of osteogenic activities.

Exposure of periodontal ligament progenitor cells to lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli changes osteoblast differentiation pattern

Periodontal ligament mesenchymal stem cells (PDLMSCs) are an important alternative source of adult stem cells and may be applied for periodontal tissue regeneration, neuroregenerative medicine, and heart valve tissue engineering. However, little is known about the impact of bacterial toxins on the biological properties of PDLSMSCs, including self-renewal, differentiation, and synthesis of extracellular matrix. Objective : This study investigated whether proliferation, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and osteogenic differentiation of CD105-enriched PDL progenitor cell populations (PDL-CD105+ cells) would be affected by exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli (EcLPS). Material and Methods : Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression was assessed in PDL-CD105+ cells by the immunostaining technique and confirmed using Western blotting assay. Afterwards, these cells were exposed to EcLPS, and the following assays were carried out: (i) cell viability using MTS; (ii) expression of the interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) genes; (iii) osteoblast differentiation assessed by mineralization in vitro, and by mRNA levels of run-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN) determined by quantitative PCR. Results : PDL-CD105+ cells were identified as positive for TLR4. EcLPS did not affect cell viability, but induced a significant increase of transcripts for IL-6 and IL-8. Under osteogenic condition, PDL-CD105+ cells exposed to EcLPS presented an increase of mineralized matrix deposition and higher RUNX2 and ALP mRNA levels when compared to the control group. Conclusions : These results provide evidence that CD105-enriched PDL progenitor cells are able to adapt to continuous Escherichia coli endotoxin challenge, leading to an upregulation of osteogenic activities. .

Efeito do processo inflamatório sobre as propriedades regenerativas das células-tronco do ligamento periodontal / Effect of inflammation on the regenerative properties of stem cells from periodontal ligament

Estudos recentes mostraram que o ligamento periodontal abriga populações celulares com características de células-tronco adultas, as quais são denominadas como células progenitoras ou indiferenciadas de origem mesenquimal. O sucesso da regeneração dos tecidos periodontais depende de uma série de eventos biológicos, os quais envolvem a migração e a proliferação das células indiferenciadas para o interior do defeito periodontal, e sua subsequente diferenciação em osteoblastos, cementoblastos e fibroblastos, acompanhada pela síntese de componentes das matrizes teciduais. Alguns estudos na área médica mostraram que as propriedades biológicas das células-tronco podem ser alteradas após a exposição tecidual a um processo inflamatório crônico, comprometendo o seu potencial regenerativo. Desta maneira, o presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma revisão da literatura das evidências disponíveis a respeito do impacto da doença periodontal inflamatória crônica sobre as propriedades regenerativas das células mesenquimais indiferenciadas, localizadas nas estruturas periodontais remanescentes.