CKIP-1 mediates -suppressed osteogenic/cementogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament cells partially via p38 signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVES

Casein kinase 2 interacting protein-1 (CKIP-1) is a versatile player involved in various biological processes. However, whether CKIP-1 mediates the osteogenic/cementogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) under (Pg) stimulation remains unknown.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The effect of Pg on PDLC differentiation was first verified. CKIP-1 expression in Pg-infected PDLCs or in PDL of apical periodontitis (AP) mice was detected. The changes of CKIP-1 during PDLC differentiation was also determined. PDLC differentiation capacity in knockout (KO) mice and CKIP-1-silenced PDLCs with or without Pg stimulation were further studied. Inhibitor was finally applied to verify the involvement of p38 signaling pathway in PDLC differentiation.

RESULTS

The suppression effect of Pg on PDLC differentiation was demonstrated. CKIP-1 increased in the PDL of AP mice and Pg-induced PDLCs, and decreased gradually during PDLC differentiation. Increased OSX and RUNX2 expression in PDL were observed in KO mice. Also, CKIP-1 silencing facilitated and rescued Pg-inhibited PDLC differentiation. Inhibitor for p38 signaling pathway blocked CKIP-1 silencing-facilitated PDLC differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS

CKIP-1 mediated the osteogenic/cementogenic differentiation of PDLCs partially through p38 signaling pathway, which may provide evidence for the regeneration of periodontal hard tissues damaged by Pg.