Bioactive molecules for regenerative pulp capping.

Since the discovery of bioactive molecules sequestered in dentine, researchers have been exploring ways to harness their activities for dental regeneration. One specific area, discussed in this review, is that of dental-pulp capping. Dental-pulp caps are placed when the dental pulp is exposed due to decay or trauma in an attempt to enhance tertiary dentine deposition. Several materials are used for dental-pulp capping; however, natural biomimetic scaffolds may offer advantages over manufactured materials such as improved aesthetic, biocompatibility and success rate. The present review discusses and appraises the current evidence surrounding biomimetic dental-pulp capping, with a focus on bioactive molecules sequestered in dentine. Molecules covered most extensively in the literature include transforming growth factors (TGF-ßs, specifically TGF-ß1) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs, specifically BMP-2 and BMP-7). Further studies would need to explore the synergistic use of multiple peptides together with the development of a tailored scaffold carrier. The roles of some of the molecules identified in dentine need to be explored before they can be considered as potential bioactive molecules in a biomimetic scaffold for dental-pulp capping. Future in vivo work needs to consider the inflammatory environment of the dental pulp in pulpal exposures and compare pulp-capping materials.

TGF beta inhibition of Cdk4 synthesis is linked to cell cycle arrest.

Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) causes G1 growth arrest and the accumulation of unphosphorylated retinoblastoma protein (Rb) in responsive cells. Cdk4 (cyclin-dependent kinase), a major catalytic subunit of the mammalian D-type G1 cyclins, can phosphorylate Rb in vitro, and at least one D-type cyclin, D2, directs the phosphorylation of Rb in vivo. Here we show that TGF beta 1 induces suppression of cdk4 synthesis in G1 in mink lung epithelial cells. Constitutive cdk4 synthesis in these cells led to TGF beta 1 resistance. It also resulted in growth in low serum medium when these cells were released from contact inhibition. Cdk2 activity was also suppressed by TGF beta 1 action, but its constitutive expression failed to override a TGF beta 1-induced G1 block. Hence, the TGF beta 1 block is primarily mediated by cdk4 modulation. Further evidence suggests that TGF beta 1-induced down-modulation of cdk4 leads to inhibition of cdk2 activation and that both events might contribute to TGF beta 1 growth suppression.

Absence of uvomorulin in a slowly compacting variant of H6 embryonal carcinoma cells.

When allowed to aggregate in calcium-containing medium, the H6 embryonal carcinoma cell variant named 6B(NG)C25 compacted more slowly than wild-type cells, and aggregates of hybrids between it and wild-type cells also compacted slowly, as if the variation (mutation) acted in a dominant fashion. In agreement with this, we now have found that the cell adhesion molecule uvomorulin is markedly reduced or absent in 6B(NG)C25 cells, as well as in the hybrids. A small amount of a higher-molecular-weight protein reacting with the antibody is present, which might represent residual uvomorulin migrating at a slower rate, an altered uvomorulin, the known precursor to uvomorulin, or an unrelated cross-reacting protein.