ShRNA knockdown of integrin‐linked kinase on hPDLCs migration, proliferation, and apoptosis under cyclic tensile stress

Abstract

To investigate the roles of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) in mediating the cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) in response to cyclic tensile stress. Primary hPDLCs were obtained through the enzyme digestion and tissue culture method. Short hairpin ILK-expressing hPDLCs were constructed using a recombinant lentiviral vector that specifically targeted ILK gene expression. The silencing of the ILK gene was identified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. The hPDLCs were seeded on a flexible substrate and loaded with cyclic tensile stress at 0.5Hz for 0, 2, 4, and 8hr, consecutively, with the Flexcell Tension System. The response of cell migration was tested by the scratch assay. Cell proliferation was characterized by optical density (OD) value of cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) test and Ki67 mRNA expression of qRT-PCR. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and Caspase-3 mRNA expression of qRT-PCR. Knocking down ILK substantially reduces migration and proliferation as well as regulates the sensitivity of hPDLCs to apoptosis under cyclic tensile stress. ILK can promote the proliferation and migration as well as inhibit apoptosis of hPDLCs under cyclic tensile stress.