Gene analysis of signal transduction factors and transcription factors in periodontal ligament cells following application of dynamic strain

Abstract

Orthodontic treatment is usually associated with the application of forces to teeth and periodontium. Instrumental in transmitting these forces are the cells of the periodontal ligament (PDL). In the present study, we used an established strain model to investigate the potential role of biophysical stimulation in modulating the gene expression pattern of these PDL cells. PDL cells derived from non-carious and periodontally healthy teeth of six patients were grown on culture plates coated with collagen type I. Upon completion of culture, dynamic strain was applied to the cells for 24 h, using 3% of tensile force and a frequency of 0.05 Hz. This loading protocol for biomechanical stimulation was followed by extracting the RNA from the cells and using a RT(2) PCR array(®) for analysis. Compared to non-stimulated control cells, this analysis revealed the induction of several factors (e.g., RELA, IRF1, MAX, MYC, CDKN1B, BCL2, BCL2A1) known to influence tissue homeostasis by contributing essentially to cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and the inhibition of apoptosis. This study demonstrates that the biomechanical stimulation of PDL cells is an important factor in periodontal tissue homeostasis.