Post-natal effect of overexpressed DKK1 on mandibular molar formation

Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) is a potent inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Dkk1-null mutant embryos display severe defects in head induction. Conversely, targeted expression of Dkk1 in dental epithelial cells leads to the formation of dysfunctional enamel knots and subsequent tooth defects during embryonic development. However, its role in post-natal dentinogenesis is largely unknown. To address this issue, we studied the role of DKK1 in post-natal dentin development using 2.3-kb Col1a1-Dkk1 transgenic mice, with the following key findings: (1) The Dkk1 transgene was highly expressed in pulp and odontoblast cells during post-natal developmental stages; (2) the 1(st) molar displayed short roots, an enlarged pulp/root canal region, and a decrease in the dentin formation rate; (3) a small malformed second molar and an absent third molar; (4) an increase of immature odontoblasts, few mature odontoblasts, and sharply reduced dentinal tubules; and (5) a dramatic change in Osx and nestin expression. We propose that DKK1 controls post-natal mandibular molar dentin formation either directly or indirectly via the inhibition of Wnt signaling at the following aspects: (i) post-natal dentin formation, (ii) formation and/or maintenance of the dentin tubular system, (iii) mineralization of the dentin, and (iv) regulation of molecules such as Osx and nestin.     

Inhibition of Wnt signaling by exogenous Mfrzb1 protein affects molar tooth size

Wnt extracellular signaling molecules have essential roles as regulators of cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions involved in tissue morphogenesis. Frizzled integral membrane proteins have been shown to function as receptors for Wnt signaling molecules. Vertebrates also produce secreted proteins related to Frizzled receptors, Frizzled-related proteins (FRPs), which contain the cysteine-rich domain of Frizzleds and appear to function as Wnt antagonists. Tooth development is regulated by a reciprocal series of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, and many Wnt signaling pathway genes are expressed in the developing tooth at these sites. Here we report the expression of one FRP gene, Mfrzb1, in the rostral mesenchyme of the mandibular primordium. Using explant cultures, we show that expression of Mfrzb1 in the mandibular mesenchyme is under the control of signals derived from the overlying epithelium. Bead implantation experiments in vitro show that FGF8 induces Mfrzb1 expression, whereas BMP4 and SHH proteins have no effect. We studied the effect of ectopic MFrzb1 protein on the developing tooth germs by transplanting explants treated with Mfrzb1 protein into renal capsules, and found it to retard tooth development. This suggests that Wnt signaling is required early in tooth germ formation and that interference with signaling via addition of an antagonist results in retarded development and formation of smaller teeth.     

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??Sclerostin/SOST??mainly expressed in osteocytes??is a negative regulator of bone formation and is regulated by mechanical stimulus??which plays an important role in orthodontic tooth movement. Wnt and BMP are two important signaling pathways in bone metabolic regulation. SOST can regulate osteoblastic differentiation and bone formation by binding type ??or??receptors and co-receptor LRP5/6 to inhibit BMP and Wnt signaling pathways. This review covers the effect of Sclerostin/SOST on orthodontic tooth movement after mechanical loading and its mechanism??and the clinical significance as well as prospect of Sclerostin/SOST in clinical application.     

Osteocytes and mechanical loading: The Wnt connection

Bone adapts to the mechanical forces that it experiences. Orthodontic tooth movement harnesses the cell‐ and tissue‐level properties of mechanotransduction to achieve alignment and reorganization of the dentition. However, the mechanisms of action that permit bone resorption and formation in response to loads placed on the teeth are incompletely elucidated, though several mechanisms have been identified. Wnt/Lrp5 signalling in osteocytes is a key pathway that modulates bone tissue's response to load. Numerous mouse models that harbour knock‐in, knockout and transgenic/overexpression alleles targeting genes related to Wnt signalling point to the necessity of Wnt/Lrp5, and its localization to osteocytes, for proper mechanotransduction in bone. Alveolar bone is rich in osteocytes and is a highly mechanoresponsive tissue in which components of the canonical Wnt signalling cascade have been identified. As Wnt‐based agents become clinically available in the next several years, the major challenge that lies ahead will be to gain a more complete understanding of Wnt biology in alveolar bone so that improved/expedited tooth movement becomes a possibility.     

Characteristic tissue interaction of the diastema region in mice

Rodents have a toothless diastema between the incisor and the first molar, which may contain rudimentary tooth germs. In the lower diastema region of mice at E13, the rudimentary tooth germs, which developed into the bud stage before its removal by apoptosis, was found. The immunoreactivity to tenascin was observed in the condensed mesenchyme around the normal tooth bud and was detected in only the basement membrane in the diastema bud. This result shows that the relationship between mesenchymal condensation and tooth development. The similar patterns of Msx-1 and Msx-2 expression between the tooth bud and the diastema bud show that the diastema bud may have some other genetic mechanism in the developmental arrest of the rudimentary tooth germs rather than the Msx-1 and Msx-2 expression. Strikingly, the induction of the tooth formation was possible using tissue recombination between the oral epithelium of the diastema bud and the dental mesenchyme of the molar tooth bud, which indicates the potential capability of the diastema in the tooth formation. In conclusion, it is suggested that the condensed mesenchyme may be the key to tooth development.     

Clinical management of supernumerary teeth: a report of two cases

Supernumerary tooth may closely resemble the teeth of the group to which it belongs, i.e. molars, premolars or anterior teeth, or it may bear little resemblance in size or shape to which it is associated. Many complications can be associated with supernumeraries, like impaction, delayed eruption or ectopic eruption of adjacent teeth, crowding, development of median diastema and eruption into floor of the nasal cavity. This may also cause the formation of follicular cysts with significant bone destruction. Early intervention to remove it is usually required to obtain reasonable alignment and occlusal relationship. This article will present the clinical management of an (i) impacted supernumerary tooth impeding the eruption of maxillary central incisor and (ii) erupted supernumerary tooth with midline diastema.     

Regulation of tooth development by the novel type I TGFbeta family member receptor Alk8.

We have recently identified, in zebrafish, a novel type I receptor of the TGFbeta family, alk8, that participates in Bmp signaling pathways to mediate early dorsoventral patterning of neurectodermal and mesendodermal tissues. Since Bmps play significant roles in tooth specification, initiation, and differentiation, we hypothesized that alk8 may play a role in directing the Bmp-mediated epithelial mesenchymal cell interactions regulating tooth development. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrates that Alk8 is expressed in developing zebrafish and mouse teeth. Examination of tooth development in zebrafish with disrupted alk8 signaling revealed specific defects in tooth development. Ectopic expression of constitutively active Alk8 results in the formation of elongated tooth structures, while expression of dominant-negative Alk8 results in arrested tooth development at the bud stage. These results are consistent with the established requirements for Bmp signaling in tooth development and demonstrate that Alk8 is a key regulator of tooth development.     

无翅型MMTV整合位点家族成员5A/受体酪氨酸激酶样孤儿受体2在大鼠牙囊细胞中的表达及其意义

目的 观察在牙齿正常萌出过程中无翅型MMTV整合位点家族成员5A（Wnt5A）/受体酪氨酸激酶样孤儿受体2（Ror2）信号在大鼠体内外牙囊细胞表达的特点,探讨其与成熟破骨细胞形成及牙齿萌出的相关性。方法 分离出生后1~13 d的SD大鼠下颌骨,苏木精-伊红染色观察牙囊及牙槽骨生长发育过程,免疫组织化学法观察在下颌第一磨牙萌出过程中Wnt5A和Ror2在牙囊细胞中的表达。体外培养出生后5~6 d的SD大鼠第一磨牙牙囊细胞,免疫组织化学法观察Wnt5A、Ror2在牙囊细胞中的表达。结果 SD大鼠出生后第2天牙囊开始分化为牙周组织,1~3 d牙槽骨变化不明显,第4天起,破骨细胞数量明显增多。Wnt5A在出生后第1~3天的大鼠牙囊组织内无明显表达,第4天开始出现阳性表达,并持续表达至第13天。Ror2在出生后第1~3天的大鼠牙囊组织表达呈强阳性,而在第4~13天呈弱阳性。结论 Wnt5A、Ror2在牙萌出过程中有特定的时间分布,提示其可能参与牙齿萌出的调控。     

Noggin is required for early development of murine upper incisors

BMP signaling plays crucial roles in the development of many organs, including the tooth. Equally important is BMP signaling homeostasis, as demonstrated by multiple organ defects in mice lacking the extracellular BMP antagonist Noggin. Here, we show that Noggin is initially expressed in the maxillary mesenchyme adjunct to the upper incisor at the initiation stage, and then in the developing teeth, including incisors and molars, from the bud stage. Noggin mutants develop normal molars and mandibular incisors, but form a single, medially located upper incisor that is arrested at the late bud stage. Histological and molecular marker analyses demonstrated that two distinct upper incisor placodes initiate independently at E11.5, but begin to fuse at E12.5, coupling with elevated cell proliferation rates in the developing tooth germs. We further found that Chordin and Gremlin, two other BMP antagonists, are co-expressed with Noggin in the developing lower incisor and molar teeth. These observations indicate the importance of BMP signaling homeostasis, and suggest a functional redundancy between BMP antagonists during tooth development.     

Developmental biology and building a tooth.

During the last 15 years, we have started to understand tooth development at the gene level. The list of genes known to regulate the position, shape, or number of teeth is lengthening rapidly. Interestingly, so far all these genes have important functions in the mediation of cell communication, which is generally considered the most important mechanism driving embryonic development. The communication is mediated by small signal molecules that are sent to nearby cells, thereby affecting their behavior and advancing differentiation. There are dozens of different signals and their receptors and target genes, which together form complicated signaling networks. The defects in several human conditions affecting tooth development have been identified recently, and these genes have turned out to be necessary components of signaling networks. Experimental studies using transgenic mice as models for human syndromes such as ectodermal and cleidocranial dysplasia have pinpointed the exact roles of the disease genes and indicated ways for possible new therapies. It is also possible that by combining the knowledge of molecular regulation of tooth development with the recent breakthroughs in stem cell research, dreams of building new teeth in dental practice may come true in the future.     

Supernumerary teeth in the primary dentition: a report of two cases

Supernumerary teeth occur frequently in the permanent dentition, but they are rare in the primary dentition. Mesiodens is a supernumerary tooth with a cone shaped crown and a short root. The supernumerary tooth which bears resemblance to the tooth with which it is associated is called a supplemental tooth. The etiology of supernumerary teeth is still unknown and not well understood. Radiographic examination of pre-school children is essential for their diagnosis. Early removal of these teeth is required so that complications such as delay in eruption of permanent teeth, crowding, diastema, rotations and certain pathologic conditions can be averted.     

Complete resorption of an impacted and inverted supernumerary tooth: Report of an unusual case

The presence of supernumerary teeth is a relatively frequent odontogenic disorder. Supernumerary teeth should be extracted immediately if any complications such as diastema and delayed eruption are present; early diagnosis is therefore crucial.A 6-year-old boy had an impacted and inverted supernumerary tooth in the anterior maxilla. Removal was recommended but was not performed, at the patient's request. The patient's condition was monitored using oral and radiographic examinations for a period of 2 years. During that time, the supernumerary tooth underwent extensive resorption. The resorption of an impacted supernumerary tooth is extremely rare. In this unusual case, resorption was complete.     

流体剪切力作用下喷砂酸碱处理钛表面对原代成骨细胞Wnt/β-catenin信号通路关键蛋白mRNA表达的影响

目的探讨流体剪切力及喷砂酸碱处理钛表面在不同时相对原代成骨细胞Wnt/β-catenin信号通路关键蛋白表达的影响。方法制备抛光处理纯钛钛片(P组)、喷砂酸碱处理纯钛钛片(S组),取新生第一天SD大鼠颅骨进行原代成骨细胞培养并分别接种于玻片(G组)、P组钛片、S组钛片表面,培养72h后,置于流体加载系统中,在0dynes/cm2(静止组)和12dynes/cm2(受力组)大小的流体剪切力下分别作用0h、0.25h、0.5h、1h、2h、4h,通过实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应检测低密度脂蛋白受体相关蛋白5(low-density lipoprotein receptor-relat-ed protein5,LRP5)和β-连环蛋白(β-catenin)的mRNA表达变化。结果 3种表面受力组LRP5和β-catenin的mRNA表达水平均比静止组高(P<0.05)。LRP5的mRNA表达水平在S组最高(P<0.05);细胞受力时G组在1h、P组和S组在0.5h时LRP5的mRNA表达量达到最高峰。β-catenin的mRNA表达水平在S组最高(P<0.05);细胞受力时表达量最高峰在3种表面均出现在0.5h。结论适宜大小的流体剪切力以及喷砂酸碱处理钛表面均能促进成骨细胞Wnt/β-catenin信号通路的激活,并且喷砂-酸碱处理钛表面提高了成骨细胞Wnt/β-catenin信号通路对流体剪切力刺激的敏感性。     

A pilot trial on the molecular pathophysiology of traumatic temporomandibular joint bony ankylosis in a sheep model. Part I: Expression of Wnt signaling

ObjectiveTo preliminarily investigate the temporal patterns of the endogenous mRNA expression for members of the Wnt signaling and a series of genes regulating bone formation during the development of traumatic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) bony ankylosis in a sheep model.MethodsSix sheep were used for the induction of bony ankylosis of TMJ. We performed a condylar fracture, excision of the lateral 2/3 disc and serious injury to the glenoid fossa to induce bony ankylosis on the right TMJ. An isolated condylar fracture was performed on the left side. Two sheep were sacrificed at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery, respectively. The specimens from the ankylosed joint and the condylar fracture were harvested for RNA extraction respectively. In this report (Part I), only the bony ankylosed samples were used for analysis of gene expressions. The specimens 1 month postoperatively were taken as the control, and the changes of expression of target genes over time were examined by real-time PCR.ResultsmRNA expression of Wnt1, Wnt2b, Wnt3a, β-catenin, Sfrp1, Lrp6, Lef1, CyclinD1, and Runx2 was up-regulated at 3 and 6 months compared with 1 month. The expression of Wnt5a, Sox9, and Osterix was up-regulated with a peak at 3 months, and then fell back to the basal levels at 6 months. The expression of Ocn began to up-regulate until 6 month postoperatively.ConclusionOur findings suggested that Wnt signaling was involved in the formation of traumatic TMJ bony ankylosis and thus may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of the disease in the future.