Research on the roles of genes coding ATP-binding cassette transporters in Porphyromonas gingivalis pathogenicity.

Porphyromonas gingivalis, as a major pathogen of periodontitis, could rapidly adhere to and invade host gingival epithelial cells (GECs) for the induction of infection. One ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter gene was found to be upregulated during this infection process, however, the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we systemically investigated the messenger RNA level changes of all ABC transporter family genes in P. gingivalis while being internalized within GECs by real-time polymerase chain reaction. We identified that two ABC transporter genes, PG_RS04465 (PG1010) and PG_RS07320 (PG1665), were significantly increased in P. gingivalis after coculturing with GECs. Mutant strains with knockout (KO) of these two genes were generated by homogenous recombination. PG_RS04465 and PG_RS07320 KO mutants showed no change in the growth of bacteria per se. Knockdown of PG_RS07320, but not PG_RS04465, caused decreased endotoxin level in the bacteria. In contrast, both mutant strains showed decreased Arg- and Lys-gingipains activities, with significantly reduced adhesion and invasion capabilities. Secreted interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and IL-6 levels in GECs cocultured with PG_RS04465 or PG_RS07320 KO mutants were also decreased, whereas, only the cells cocultured with PG_RS07320 KO mutants showed significant decrease. In addition, virulence study using mouse revealed that both KO mutant strains infection caused less mouse death than wild-type strains, showing reduced virulence of two KO strains. These results indicated that ABC transporter genes PG_RS04465 and PG_RS07320 are positive regulators of the virulence of P. gingivalis.

Interleukin-22 Inhibits Apoptosis of Gingival Epithelial Cells Through TGF-ß Signaling Pathway During Periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues. The gingival epithelium is the first barrier of periodontal tissue against oral pathogens and harmful substances. The structure and function of epithelial lining are essential for maintaining the integrity of the epithelial barrier. Abnormal apoptosis can lead to the decrease of functional keratinocytes and break homeostasis in gingival epithelium. Interleukin-22 is a cytokine that plays an important role in epithelial homeostasis in intestinal epithelium, inducing proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis, but its role in gingival epithelium is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of interleukin-22 on apoptosis of gingival epithelial cells during periodontitis. Interleukin-22 topical injection and Il22 gene knockout were performed in experimental periodontitis mice. Human gingival epithelial cells were co-cultured with Porphyromonas gingivalis with interleukin-22 treatment. We found that interleukin-22 inhibited apoptosis of gingival epithelial cells during periodontitis in vivo and in vitro, decreasing Bax expression and increasing Bcl-xL expression. As for the underlying mechanisms, we found that interleukin-22 reduced the expression of TGF-ß receptor type II and inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad2 in gingival epithelial cells during periodontitis. Blockage of TGF-ß receptors attenuated apoptosis induced by Porphyromonas gingivalis and increased Bcl-xL expression stimulated by interleukin-22. These results confirmed the inhibitory effect of interleukin-22 on apoptosis of gingival epithelial cells and revealed the involvement of TGF-ß signaling pathway in gingival epithelial cell apoptosis during periodontitis.

JMJD3 Promotes Porphyromonas gingivalis Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Th17-Cell Differentiation by Modulating the STAT3-RORc Signaling Pathway.

The immune response mediated by Th17 cells is essential in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg-LPS) could promote Th17-cell differentiation directly, while the downstream signaling remains elusive. This study was aimed to explore the role of JMJD3 (a JmjC family histone demethylase) and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) in Th17-cell differentiation triggered by Pg-LPS and clarify the interaction between them. We found that the expression of JMJD3 and STAT3 was significantly increased under Th17-polarizing conditions. Pg-LPS could promote Th17-cell differentiation from CD4+ T cells, with an increased expression of JMJD3 and STAT3 compared to the culture without Pg-LPS. The coimmunoprecipitation results showed that the interactions of JMJD3 and STAT3, STAT3 and retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor γt (RORγt) were enhanced following Pg-LPS stimulation during Th17-cell differentiation. Further blocking assays were performed and the results showed that inhibition of STAT3 or JMJD3 both suppressed the Th17-cell differentiation, JMJD3 inhibitor could reduce the expression of STAT3 and p-STAT3, while JMJD3 expression was not affected when STAT3 was inhibited. Taken together, this study found that JMJD3 could promote Pg-LPS induced Th17-cell differentiation by modulating the STAT3-RORc signaling pathway.

Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide promotes T-hel per17 cell differentiation by upregulating Delta-like ligand 4 expression on CD14+ monocytes.

BACKGROUD: To investigate the effect and mechanism of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on Th17 cell differentiation mediated by CD14+ monocytes. METHODS: P. gingivalis LPS-activated CD14+ monocytes were co-cultured with CD4+T cells in different cell ratios. An indirect co-culture system was also established using transwell chambers. Furthermore, anti- Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll-4) antibody was used to investigate the role of Dll-4 in Th17 cell response. The mRNA expression was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, and secreted cytokines in culture supernatant were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Flow cytometry was used to determine the frequencies of Th17 cells. IL-17 protein expression levels were determined using western blotting assay. RESULTS: P. gingivalis LPS increased the expressions of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-23 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß in CD14+ monocytes. Th17 cell frequency upregulated, which is not solely cytokine-dependent but rather requires cell-cell contact with activated monocytes, particularly in the 1:10 cell ratio. Furthermore, P. gingivalis LPS increased t he expression of Dll-4 on CD14+ monocytes, whereas the anti- Dll-4 a ntibody decreased the response of Th17 cells. The results suggest that P. gingivalis LPS enhances Th17 cell response via Dll-4 upregulation on CD14+ monocytes.

Different effects of 25-kDa amelogenin on the proliferation, attachment and migration of various periodontal cells.

Previous studies have assumed that amelogenin is responsible for the therapeutic effect of the enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in periodontal tissue healing and regeneration. However, it is difficult to confirm this hypothesis because both the EMD and the amelogenins are complex mixtures of multiple proteins. Further adding to the difficulties is the fact that periodontal tissue regeneration involves various types of cells and a sequence of associated cellular events including the attachment, migration and proliferation of various cells. In this study, we investigated the potential effect of a 25-kDa recombinant porcine amelogenin (rPAm) on primarily cultured periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF), gingival fibroblasts (GF) and gingival epithelial cells (GEC). The cells were treated with 25-kDa recombinant porcine amelogenin at a concentration of 10 microg/mL. We found that rPAm significantly promoted the proliferation and migration of PDLF, but not their adhesion. Similarly, the proliferation and adhesion of GF were significantly enhanced by treatment with rPAm, while migration was greatly inhibited. Interestingly, this recombinant protein inhibited the growth rate, cell adhesion and migration of GEC. These data suggest that rPAm may play an essential role in periodontal regeneration through the activation of periodontal fibroblasts and inhibition of the cellular behaviors of gingival epithelial cells.

Effect of interleukin-22 on osteogenic differentiation and the osteoclastogenic response of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-22 (IL-22) exerts extensive biological effects, playing both protective and pathological roles in autoimmune and infectious diseases. However, the specific role and mechanism of IL-22 in the pathogenesis of periodontitis have not been clarified. The aim of this study was to analyze the possible roles of IL-22 in the osteoclastogenesis and osteogenesis of periodontitis. METHODS: Human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs) were treated with IL-22 and/or lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg-LPS), and the mRNA and protein expression of RANKL and OPG were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Western blotting was also used to examine the phosphorylated and total protein expression of MAPK signaling molecules. The role of the MAPK pathway in osteoclastogenesis marker expression was further confirmed by inhibition assays. For osteogenic assays, the mRNA expression of osteoblastic markers was quantified by qRT-PCR, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of hPDLFs was measured by an ALP assay, and the mineralized nodules formed by hPDLFs were determined by Alizarin Red S staining. RESULTS: IL-22 promoted the expression of RANKL in hPDLFs via the MAPK signaling pathway and further upregulated RANKL expression together with Pg-LPS via the p38 MAPK pathway. IL-22 could enhance the ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation of hPDLFs in the early period of osteogenic induction, while exhibiting no profound effect on the expression of osteoblastic markers. CONCLUSION: IL-22 plays regulatory roles in bone homeostasis, and it is likely to contribute to osteoclastogenesis as a proinflammatory cytokine in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.

Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide promotes T- helper 17 cell differentiation from human CD4+ naïve T cells via toll-like receptor-2 in vitro.

OBJECTIVES: The persistence of T-helper 17 (Th17) cells has been shown to support chronic inflammation and mediate tissue destruction in periodontitis. However, little is known regarding the underlying mechanisms that regulate Th17 cell differentiation in the periodontal inflammatory context. The objective of this study was to explore the possible effect and mechanism of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Porphyromonas gingivalis on Th17 cell differentiation. METHODS: Activated human CD4+CD45RA+ naïve T cells were stimulated with different doses of LPS from virulent and avirulent P. gingivalis strains combined with Th17 driven cytokines in vitro. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the differentiation ratio of Th17 cells. IL-17A protein expression and IL-17, retinoid-related orphan receptor C (RORC) and toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) mRNA transcription were analysed by ELISA and real-time qPCR, respectively. The role of TLR2 in Th17 cell differentiation was further confirmed by TLR2 blocking assay. RESULTS: LPS from P. gingivalis (Pg-LPS) up-regulated Th17 cell differentiation ratios, expression of IL-17 and RORC mRNA, and IL-17 concentration in culture supernatant, with 0.1 µg/mL LPS from the virulent P. gingivalis strain being the most effectively. Furthermore, Pg-LPS also up-regulated expression of TLR2 on T cells during Th17 differentiation, and the differentiation was attenuated by treatment with TLR2 antibody. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that Pg-LPS promotes Th17 cell differentiation in vitro, and TLR2 signalling may be involved in this process. LPS from the virulent P. gingivalis strain up-regulated Th17 cell differentiation more effectively, which may be associated with the pathogenicity of different P. gingivalis strains.

Quantitative Evaluation of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 Promoter Methylation in Chronic Periodontitis.

In this study, we investigated the promoter DNA methylation (DNAm) status of the MMP-9 and TIMP-1 genes in patients with chronic periodontitis to evaluate disease progression. Using pyrosequencing technology, DNAm levels of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 CpG islands were measured in 88 chronic periodontitis patients and 15 healthy controls. We found a positive correlation between methylation levels of MMP-9 CpG islands and the severity of chronic periodontitis. Methylated CpG islands were also closely associated with the duration of chronic periodontitis. Moreover, female patients exhibited lower methylation levels of MMP-9 but higher methylation levels of TIMP-1 compared with male patients, and the methylation levels of TIMP-1 gradually decreased with age. The findings of gender disparity in the DNAm of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 genes provide novel insights into chronic periodontitis.

Attenuation of Porphyromonas gingivalis oral infection by α-amylase and pentamidine.

The Porphyromonas gingivalis bacterium is one of the most influential pathogens in oral infections. In the current study, the antimicrobial activity of α-amylase and pentamidine against Porphyromonas gingivalis was evaluated. Their in vitro inhibitory activity was investigated with the agar overlay technique, and the minimal inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were determined. Using the bactericidal concentration, the antimicrobial actions of the inhibitors were investigated. In the present study, multiple techniques were utilized, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), general structural analysis and differential gene expression analysis. The results obtained from SEM and bactericidal analysis indicated a notable observation; the pentamidine and α-amylase treatment destroyed the structure of the bacterial cell membranes, which led to cell death. These results were used to further explore these inhibitors and the mechanisms by which they act. Downregulated expression levels were observed for a number of genes coding for hemagglutinins and gingipains, and various genes involved in hemin uptake, chromosome replication and energy production. However, the expression levels of genes associated with iron storage and oxidative stress were upregulated by α-amylase and pentamidine. A greater effect was noted in response to pentamidine treatment. The results of the present study demonstrate promising therapeutic potential for α-amylases and pentamidine. These molecules have the potential to be used to develop novel drugs and broaden the availability of pharmacological tools for the attenuation of oral infections caused by Porphyromonas gingivalis.

[The effects of recombinant porcine amelogenin on human gingival epithelial cells].

PURPOSE: To investigate the potential effect of recombinant 25kDa porcine amelogenin (rPAm) on attachment, proliferation and migration of primarily cultured human gingival epithelial cells (HGEC). METHODS: The second passage of HGECs were exposed to different concentrations of rPAm (0, 5, 10, 20µg/mL, respectively). Proliferation and attachment activities was measured by using cell counting method. Cellular migration was assayed by using an in vitro wound healing model. The data was quantified by the analysis of GraphPad Prism software. RESULTS: rPAm inhibited HGEC attachment in the adhesion assay, the effect was depended on time and rPAm dose. rPAm suppressed the growth rate of HGEC, that was also dose and time dependent. rPAm inhibited the migration ability of HGEC, the concentration of 20µg/mL group had the most significant effect. CONCLUSIONS: rPAm significantly inhibit the growth rate, cell adhesion and migration of HGEC, and the effect was dose- and time- dependent.

[Amelogenin expression in cultured human dental pulp and periodontium related cells].

PURPOSE: To investigate gene expression of amelogenin (Am) in human gingival epithelial cells(HGEC) and also other oral ectomesenchyme cells (human gingival fibroblasts, human periodontal ligament fibroblasts and human pulp cells). METHODS: The amelogenin mRNA expression patterns were determined by the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR),and the protein expression was studied with Western blotting. RESULTS: There was no amelogenin expression detected in any of the cells. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that amelogenin expression could not be detected in cultured human periodontium-related cells. Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.30672315) and Research Fund of Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(Grant No.08DZ2271100).