Transcriptome profile of highly osteoblastic/cementoblastic periodontal ligament cell clones

Abstract

Transcriptome profile of highly osteoblastic/cementoblastic periodontal ligament cell clones Heterogeneous cell populations of osteo/cementoblastic (O/C) or fibroblastic phenotypes constitute the periodontal dental ligament (PDL). A better understanding of these PDL cell subpopulations is essential to propose regenerative approaches based on a sound biological rationale. Objective: Our study aimed to clarify the differential transcriptome profile of PDL cells poised to differentiate into the O/C cell lineage. Methodology: To characterize periodontal-derived cells with distinct differentiation capacities, single-cellderived clones were isolated from adult human PDL progenitor cells and their potential to differentiate into osteo/cementoblastic (O/C) phenotype (C-O clones) or fibroblastic phenotype (C-F clones) was assessed in vitro. The transcriptome profile of the clonal cell lines in standard medium cultivation was evaluated using next-generation sequencing technology (RNA-seq). Over 230 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified, in which CO clones showed a higher number of upregulated genes (193) and 42 downregulated genes. Results: The upregulated genes were associated with the Cadherin and Wnt signaling pathways as well as annotated biological processes, including "anatomical structure development" and "cell adhesion." Both transcriptome and RT-qPCR showed up-regulation of WNT2, WNT16, and WIF1 in CO clones. Conclusions: This comprehensive transcriptomic assessment of human PDL progenitor cells revealed that expression of transcripts related to the biological process "anatomical structure development," Cadherin signaling, and Wnt signaling can identify PDL cells with a higher potential to commit to the O/C phenotype. A better understanding of these pathways and their function in O/C differentiation will help to improve protocols for periodontal regenerative therapies.

Transcriptome landscape comparison of periodontium in developmental and renewal stages

“…In previous studies, single-cell RNA-seq analysis was successfully applied to analyze the cellular heterogeneity of cells in the periodontium and their developmental relationship with early precursor cells, such as identifying PTHrP+ cells in the dental follicle as important precursor cells that may give birth to osteoblasts, periodontal ligament cells, and cementoblasts to provide a cell source for later periodontal tissue formation ( 5 ). Some transcriptome studies have investigated the gene expression patterns of periodontal ligament cells under specific culture conditions, such as mechanical loading and osteogenic induction, to clarify the mechanism of different environmental factors stimulating the differentiation process ( 6 , 7 ). Furthermore, deepening the understanding of oral proteomics and the microbiome provides meaningful clues for detecting the onset of periodontal diseases, improving treatment effects, and promoting personalized treatment ( 8 , 9 ).…”