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Original Research

Erythropoietin enhances osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

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Pages 2543-2552 | Published online: 26 Jul 2019
 

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this study is to examine the roles of erythropoietin (EPO) in regulating proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and analyze the underlying signaling of these processes.

Materials and methods

PDLSCs were isolated and characterized. The PDLSCs were transfected with β-catenin shRNA. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to examine the osteogenic effects of EPO on the expression of osteogenic-related genes and protein (Runx2, OCN and Osterix) in PDLSCs. Alizarin Red-S staining was used to detect mineralized nodule formation. In addition, the relationship between the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the effect of EPO on the osteogenesis of PDLSCs was investigated.

Results

The results suggested that EPO exerts positive osteogenic effects on PDLSCs. The results showed that EPO decreased the growth of PDLSCs slightly and increased alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of Runx2, Osterix and OCN was increased after EPO administration. EPO increases β-catenin and Cyclin D1 in PDLSCs. After transfected with β-catenin shRNA, the osteogenic effect of EPO on PDLSCs was attenuated.

Conclusion

EPO promotes osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. The underlying mechanism may be activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Acknowledgment

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81371180).

Abbreviation list

EPO, erythropoietin; PDLSCs, periodontal ligament stem cells; MSC, mesenchymal stromal cell; HSCs, hematopoietic stem cells; ARS, Alizarin Red-S staining; GTR, guided tissue regeneration.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.