Effect of Connexin43 on Mechanical Tension-stimulated Osteogenic Transcription Factors of Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts / 中国医学科学院学报

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression and effect of Connexin43 (Cx43) on tensile tension-stimulated osteogenic transcription factors of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLFs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>After hPDLFs were treated with 5% elongation tension for 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, and 24 h, we examined the expressions of Cx43, Osterix, and RUNX2 at the mRNA level. After Cx43 expression was suppressed by siRNA or 18α-GA, the changes The mRNA in hPDLFs of Osterix and RUNX2 were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expressions of Cx43, Osterix, and RUNX2 mRNA in hPDLFs increased in a time-dependent fashion following tensile strain (all P<0.05), with the highest level at 5% elongation for 24 h. After Cx43 expression was blocked by two different methods, the increasing expressions of Osterix and RUNX2 were inhibited.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>5% cyclic tension upregulates Cx43 expression and promotes the expression of Osterix and RUNX2 in a time-dependent manner. Cx43 may be involved in the osteogenic response of hPDLFs to mechanical tension.</p>