Calcium promotes differentiation in ameloblast-like LS8 cells by downregulation of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase /protein kinase B pathway

Abstract

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect and mechanism of calcium on LS8 cell differentiation, especially on phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) /protein kinase B(AKT) pathway. Materials and methodsAmeloblast-like LS8 cell line was used and additional 0–3.5 mmol/L calcium chloride was treated for 24 h, 48 h. Cell viability and morphological changes, cell cycle and associated regulatory proteins were analyzed. ResultsNo significant effects on morphological changes were observed. Decreased cell viability and increased S phase cells were accompanied by the significant decrease of cyclin A and cyclin B proteins, and significant increase of cyclin D protein in LS8 cells. Additionally, kallikrein-4 and amelotin expressions were significantly increased. Finally, the levels of PI3K, AKT, p-AKT and forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) significantly downregulated after calcium treatment in LS8 cells. ConclusionsCalcium inhibit proliferation and promotes differentiation in LS8 cells, this is closely related to the downregulation of PI3K/AKT signal in LS8 cells.