Abstract
BackgroundMicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in regulating cell differentiation. In the present study, we aimed to explore the role of miR-140-5p in odontoblastic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs).MethodsDPSCs from normal human impacted third molars were isolated and cultured. After overexpression or silencing of miR-140-5p in DPSCs, activity, proliferation, and odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs were evaluated. The possible target gene of miR-140-5p was verified by luciferase reporter gene assay. Using gene transfection technology, RT-CPR, and Western blot to confirm miR-140-5p regulates the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs through Wnt1/β-catenin signaling.ResultsWe found the expression of miR-140-5p decreased in the differentiated DPSCs for odontoblastic cells, and at the same time, the expressions of Wnt1 and β-catenin increased. Wnt1 was the target gene of miR-140-5p which was confirmed by luciferase reporter gene system. miR-140-5p overexpression suppressed the expression of Wnt1. miR-140-5p inhibitor could promote the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs. miR-140-5p mimic could weaken the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs, which could be reversed by the overexpression of Wnt1.ConclusionOur data demonstrated that miR-140-5p regulates the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs via targeting Wnt1/β-catenin signaling. Therefore, miR-140-5p might be a molecular target to regulate the odontoblastic differentiation for the therapeutic agents in dental medicine.
Highlights
MicroRNAs play a key role in regulating cell differentiation
MiR-140-5p has no effects on cell activity and proliferation Following cell transfection for 48 h, the expression of miR-140-5p was detected by qRT-PCR; the cell activity and proliferation were measured by MMT and Ki67 immunofluorescence, respectively
Since the expression level of miR-140-5p is naturally downregulated during odontoblastic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), whether it is still meaningful to deliver inhibitor to the site of pulp regeneration needs further studies to confirm it the result in this study indicates that miR-140-5p inhibitor promotes the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs in vitro
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a key role in regulating cell differentiation. We aimed to explore the role of miR-140-5p in odontoblastic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). The exposure of the pulp can occur as a consequence of deep caries, traumatic injuries, or iatrogenic injury and often results in inflammation or death of the pulp [1]. New strategies are needed in order to try to regenerate the original tissue and subsequently restore the dental pulp properties [1]. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), as a type of fibroblast, are present in the pulp. It has multidirectional differentiation potential and is responsible for the self-repairing function of the dental pulp tissue.
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