EVL Promotes Osteo-/Odontogenic Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells via Activating JNK Signaling Pathway. (12th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zeng, Kangrui; Kang, Qiongyi; Li, Yutong; Li, Weiping; Cheng, Qing; Xia, Wenwei
• Other Names: Mussano Federico Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Stem cells international. Volume 2023(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01-12
• Subjects: Stem Cells -- Periodicals; Stem Cells -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; Stem Cells -- Transplantation -- Periodicals; 616.0277405
• DOI: 10.1155/2023/7585111
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-966X

Abstract

Abstract : Objective. Human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) were recognized as a suitable and promising source of stem cells in dental pulp regeneration. However, the mechanism by which hDPSCs differentiation into osteo-/odontogenic lineage remains unclear. Ena/VASP-like protein (EVL) has been found to be involved in diverse biological processes. In this study, we explored the role and underlying mechanism of EVL in osteo-/odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. Methods . Expression of EVL was detected in hDPSCs by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot (WB) analyses during osteo-/odontogenic differentiation. The function of EVL in osteo-/odontogenic differentiation and involvement of MAPK signaling pathways were evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and activity, alizarin red staining (ARS), and qRT-PCR and western blot analyses. Results . The expression of EVL was upregulated during osteo-/odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. Overexpression of EVL significantly increased osteo-/odontogenic capacity of hDPSCs, which was reflected in increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining, ALP activity, mineralized nodule formation, and the expressions of genes related to osteo-/odontogenic differentiation, while downregulation of EVL inhibited it. In addition, EVL activated the JNK pathway and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK during differentiation procedure of hDPSCs. The EVL-enhanced differentiation of DPSCs was suppressed by blocking the JNK pathway, rather than the p38 MAPK pathway. Conclusion . EVL promotes the osteo-/odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs by activating the JNK pathway, providing a future target for osteo-/odontogenic differentiation and dental pulp regeneration.