Fusobacterium nucleatum secretes amyloid-like FadA to enhance pathogenicity.

Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) is a Gram-negative oral commensal, prevalent in various human diseases. It is unknown how this common commensal converts to a rampant pathogen. We report that Fn secretes an adhesin (FadA) with amyloid properties via a Fap2-like autotransporter to enhance its virulence. The extracellular FadA binds Congo Red, Thioflavin-T, and antibodies raised against human amyloid ß42. Fn produces amyloid-like FadA under stress and disease conditions, but not in healthy sites or tissues. It functions as a scaffold for biofilm formation, confers acid tolerance, and mediates Fn binding to host cells. Furthermore, amyloid-like FadA induces periodontal bone loss and promotes CRC progression in mice, with virulence attenuated by amyloid-binding compounds. The uncleaved signal peptide of FadA is required for the formation and stability of mature amyloid FadA fibrils. We propose a model in which hydrophobic signal peptides serve as "hooks" to crosslink neighboring FadA filaments to form a stable amyloid-like structure. Our study provides a potential mechanistic link between periodontal disease and CRC and suggests anti-amyloid therapies as possible interventions for Fn-mediated disease processes.

Histone Lys demethylase KDM3C demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing NF-κB signaling and osteoclastogenesis.

Histone Lys-specific demethylases (KDMs) play a key role in many biological processes through epigenetic mechanisms. However, the role of KDMs in inflammatory responses to oral bacterial infection is poorly understood. Here, we show a novel regulatory role of KDM3C in inflammatory responses to oral bacterial infection. KDM3C expression is transiently suppressed in human and mouse macrophages exposed to LPS from Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg LPS). Loss of KDM3C in both human and mouse macrophages led to notable induction of proinflammatory cytokines in response to Pg LPS stimulation. Also, KDM3C depletion led to strong induction of p65 phosphorylation and accelerated nuclear translocation in cells exposed to Pg LPS. Kdm3C knockout (KO) in mice led to increased alveolar bone destruction upon induction of experimental periodontitis or pulp exposure compared with those of the wild-type (WT) littermates. The Kdm3C KO mice also revealed an increased number of osteoclasts juxtaposed to the bony lesions. We also confirmed enhanced osteoclastogenesis by bone marrow-derived macrophages isolated from the Kdm3C KO compared with the WT controls. These findings suggest an anti-inflammatory function of KDM3C in regulating the inflammatory responses against oral bacterial infection through suppression of NF-κB signaling and osteoclastogenesis.-Lee, J. Y., Mehrazarin, S., Alshaikh, A., Kim, S., Chen, W., Lux, R., Gwack, Y., Kim, R. H., Kang, M. K. Histone Lys demethylase KDM3C demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing NF-κB signaling and osteoclastogenesis.

Grainyhead-like 2 regulates epithelial plasticity and stemness in oral cancer cells.

Grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2) is one of the three mammalian homologues of Drosophila Grainyhead involved in epithelial morphogenesis. We recently showed that GRHL2 also controls normal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. In this study, we investigated the role of GRHL2 in oral carcinogenesis and the underlying mechanism. GRHL2 expression was elevated in cells and tissues of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) compared with normal counterparts. Knockdown of GRHL2 resulted in the loss of in vivo tumorigenicity, cancer stemness and epithelial phenotype of oral cancer cells. GRHL2 loss also inhibited oral cancer cell proliferation and colony formation. GRHL2 regulated the expression of miR-200 family and Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (Oct-4) genes through direct promoter DNA binding. Overexpression of miR-200 genes in the oral cancer cells depleted of GRHL2 partially restored the epithelial phenotype, proliferative rate and cancer stemness, indicating that miR-200 genes in part mediate the functional effects of GRHL2. Taken together, this study demonstrates a novel connection between GRHL2 and miR-200, and supports protumorigenic effect of GRHL2 on OSCCs.

The p63 Gene Is Regulated by Grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2) through Reciprocal Feedback and Determines the Epithelial Phenotype in Human Keratinocytes.

In this study, we investigated the effects of p63 modulation in epithelial plasticity in human keratinocytes. The p63 isoforms ΔNp63α, ΔNp63ß, and ΔNp63γ were ectopically expressed in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs). The epithelial or mesenchymal state was determined by morphological changes and altered expression of various markers, e.g. fibronectin, E-Cadherin, and keratin 14. Overexpression of ΔNp63α and ΔNp63ß but not ΔNp63γ isoforms led to morphological changes consistent with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). However, only ΔNp63α overexpression was able to maintain the morphological changes and molecular phenotype consistent with EMT. Interestingly, knockdown of all p63 isoforms by transfection of p63 siRNA also led to the EMT phenotype, further confirming the role of p63 in regulating the epithelial phenotype in NHEKs. EMT in NHKs accompanied loss of Grainyhead-Like 2 (GHRL2) and miR-200 family gene expression, both of which play crucial roles in determining the epithelial phenotype. Modulation of GRHL2 in NHKs also led to congruent changes in p63 expression. ChIP revealed direct GRHL2 binding to the p63 promoter. GRHL2 knockdown in NHK led to impaired binding of GRHL2 and changes in the histone marks consistent with p63 gene silencing. These data indicate the presence of a reciprocal feedback regulation between p63 and GRHL2 in NHEKs to regulate epithelial plasticity.

Bmi-1 extends the life span of normal human oral keratinocytes by inhibiting the TGF-beta signaling.

We previously demonstrated that Bmi-1 extended the in vitro life span of normal human oral keratinocytes (NHOK). We now report that the prolonged life span of NHOK by Bmi-1 is, in part, due to inhibition of the TGF-beta signaling pathway. Serial subculture of NHOK resulted in replicative senescence and terminal differentiation and activation of TGF-beta signaling pathway. This was accompanied with enhanced intracellular and secreted TGF-beta1 levels, phosphorylation of Smad2/3, and increased expression of p15(INK4B) and p57(KIP2). An ectopic expression of Bmi-1 in NHOK (HOK/Bmi-1) decreased the level of intracellular and secreted TGF-beta1 induced dephosphorylation of Smad2/3, and diminished the level of p15(INK4B) and p57(KIP2). Moreover, Bmi-1 expression led to the inhibition of TGF-beta-responsive promoter activity in a dose-specific manner. Knockdown of Bmi-1 in rapidly proliferating HOK/Bmi-1 and cancer cells increased the level of phosphorylated Smad2/3, p15(INK4B), and p57(KIP2). In addition, an exposure of senescent NHOK to TGF-beta receptor I kinase inhibitor or anti-TGF-beta antibody resulted in enhanced replicative potential of cells. Taken together, these data suggest that Bmi-1 suppresses senescence of cells by inhibiting the TGF-beta signaling pathway in NHOK.

Molecular Mechanisms of Apical Periodontitis: Emerging Role of Epigenetic Regulators.

Conventional root canal therapies yield high success rates. The treatment outcomes are negatively affected by the presence of apical periodontitis (AP), which reflects active root canal infection and inflammatory responses. Also, cross-sectional studies revealed surprisingly high prevalence of AP in the general population, especially in those with prior endodontic treatments. Hence, AP is an ongoing disease entity in endodontics that needs further understanding of the pathogenesis and disease progression. The current Chapter will discuss the basic mechanisms of AP with emphasis on emerging role of epigenetic regulators in regulation of inflammatory mediators.

Preexisting Periapical Inflammatory Condition Exacerbates Tooth Extraction-induced Bisphosphonate-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Lesions in Mice.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical interventions such as tooth extraction increase the chances of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients receiving bisphosphonates (BPs) for the treatment of bone-related diseases. Tooth extraction is often performed to eliminate preexisting pathological inflammatory conditions that make the tooth unsalvageable; however, the role of such conditions on bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) development after tooth extraction is not clearly defined. Here, we examined the effects of periapical periodontitis on tooth extraction-induced BRONJ development in mice. METHODS: Periapical periodontitis was induced by exposing the pulp of the maxillary first molar for 3 weeks in C57/BL6 mice that were intravenously administered with BPs. The same tooth was extracted, and after an 3 additional weeks, the mice were harvested for histologic, histomorphometric, and histochemical staining analyses. RESULTS: Pulp exposure induced periapical radiolucency as shown by increased inflammatory cells, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts, and bone resorption. When BPs were administered, pulp exposure did not induce apical bone resorption despite the presence of inflammatory cells and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts. Although tooth extraction alone induced BRONJ lesions, pulp exposure further increased tooth extraction-induced BRONJ development as shown by the presence of more bone necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that a preexisting pathological inflammatory condition such as periapical periodontitis is a predisposing factor that may exacerbate BRONJ development after tooth extraction. Our study further provides a clinical implication wherein periapical periodontitis should be controlled before performing tooth extraction in BP users in order to reduce the risk of developing BRONJ.

Osteo-/odontogenic differentiation of induced mesenchymal stem cells generated through epithelial-mesenchyme transition of cultured human keratinocytes.

INTRODUCTION: Revascularization of necrotic pulp has been successful in the resolution of periradicular inflammation; yet, several case studies suggest the need for cell-based therapies using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as an alternative for de novo pulp regeneration. Because the availability of MSCs may be limited, especially in an aged population, the current study reports an alternative approach in generating MSCs from epidermal keratinocytes through a process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). METHODS: We induced EMT in primary normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) by transient transfection of small interfering RNA targeting the p63 gene. The resulting cells were assayed for their mesenchymal marker expression, proliferation capacities as a monolayer and in a 3-dimensional collagen scaffold, and differentiation capacities. RESULTS: Transient transfection of p63 small-interfering RNA successfully abolished the expression of endogenous p63 in NHEKs and induced the expression of mesenchymal markers (eg, vimentin and fibronectin), whereas epithelial markers (eg, E-cadherin and involucrin) were lost. The NHEKs exhibiting the EMT phenotype acquired extended replicative potential and an increased telomere length compared with the control cells. Similar to the established MSCs, the NHEKs with p63 knockdown showed attachment onto the 3-dimensional collagen scaffold and underwent progressive proliferation and differentiation. Upon differentiation, these EMT cells expressed alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin, and osteonectin and readily formed mineralized nodules detected by alizarin S red staining, showing osteo-/odontogenic differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: The induction of EMT in primary NHEKs by means of transient p63 knockdown allows the generation of induced MSCs from autologous sources. These cells may be used for tissues engineering purposes, including that of dental pulp.

Camphorquinone inhibits odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp cells and triggers release of inflammatory cytokines.

INTRODUCTION: Camphorquinone (CQ) is a photoinitiator that triggers polymerization of light-curing materials such as dental adhesives and composites. CQ does not become a part of the polymer network, suggesting that CQ can be leached out into surrounding environment including dental pulp and exert adversary effects on tissues. In order to understand the mechanisms of CQ-induced side effects, we investigated the effect of CQ on cell viability, cytokine secretion, and odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells in vitro. METHODS: Cell viability was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay after CQ exposure. Western blotting was performed for p16(INK4A), p21(WAF1), and p53. Secretory cytokines were evaluated using the membrane-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as well as conventional and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. The effects of CQ on odontogenic differentiation were evaluated using alkaline phosphatase and alizarin red S staining methods. RESULTS: CQ treatment suppressed the proliferation of DPSCs and induced the expression of p16(INK4A), p21(WAF1), and p53. Levels of proinflammatory cytokines (eg, interleukin 6, interleukin 8, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 [MMP3]) were increased by CQ treatment. CQ also inhibited odontogenic differentiation and mineralization capacities of DPSC and MC3T3-E1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that CQ may trigger pulpal inflammation by inducing proinflammatory cytokine production from the pulpal cells and may impair odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp cells, resulting in pulpal irritation and inflammation.

Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells for oral and systemic diseases.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells whose self-renewal, multipotency, and immunosuppressive functions have been investigated for therapeutic applications. MSCs have used for various systemic organ regenerative therapies, allowing rescue of tissue function in damaged or failing organs. This article reviews the regenerative and immunomodulatory functions of MSCs and their applications in dental, orofacial, and systemic tissue regeneration and treatment of inflammatory disorders. It also addresses challenges to MSC-mediated therapeutics arising from tissue and MSC aging and host immune response against allogenic MSC transplantation, and discusses alternative sources of MSCs aimed at overcoming these limitations.

Impaired odontogenic differentiation of senescent dental mesenchymal stem cells is associated with loss of Bmi-1 expression.

INTRODUCTION: Dental mesenchymal stem cells (dMSCs) might differentiate into odontoblast-like cells and form mineralized nodules. In the current study, we investigated the effects of senescence on odontogenic differentiation of dMSCs. METHODS: dMSCs were serially subcultured until senescence. Telomere lengths and telomerase activities were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and differentiation, eg, Bmi-1, p16(INK4A), osteocalcin (OC), dentin sialoprotein (DSP), bone sialoprotein (BSP), and dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) were assayed by Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Exogenous Bmi-1 was expressed in dMSCs by using retroviral vectors. Odontogenic differentiation was assayed by alkaline phosphatase activity. RESULTS: Subculture-induced replicative senescence of dMSCs led to reduced expression of Bmi-1, OC, DSP, and BSP compared with rapidly proliferating cells, whereas p16(INK4A) level increased. The cells exhibited progressive loss of telomeric DNA during subculture, presumably as a result of lack of telomerase activity. Bmi-1 transduction did not affect proliferation of cells but enhanced the expression of OC and DSP in the late passage cultures. Bmi-1-transduced cells also demonstrated enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized nodule formation. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that dMSCs lose their odontogenic differentiation potential during senescence, in part by reduced Bmi-1 expression.