The Effect of Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 on the Mineralization of Human Cementoblasts

IntroductionTransforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) plays an important role in bone mineralization and has been reported to promote osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. However, there is no report about the effects of TGF-β1 on human cementoblasts. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of TGF-β1 on the proliferation and differentiation of the human cementoblast cell line (HCEM) in vitro.MethodsHCEM cells were stimulated with TGF-β1 at concentrations of 0.05, 0.5, 5, and 10 ng/mL. A proliferation assay was performed from 24–72 hours. The effect of TGF-β1 on mineralization was analyzed by quantifying the area stained with alizarin red on days 7 and 14. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the effect of TGF-β1 on the mineralization-related genes alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, and type I collagen on days 3, 7, and 14.ResultsTGF-β1 did not affect cell proliferation. TGF-β1 together with the mineralization medium (consisting of ascorbic acid, dexamethasone, and β-glycerophosphate) increased the alizarin red–stained area on days 7 and 14. Real-time polymerase chain reaction revealed that alkaline phosphatase messenger RNA expression was increased in TGF-β1–stimulated HCEM cells in mineralization medium on days 3 and 7, whereas bone sialoprotein and type I collagen messenger RNA expression was increased on day 7.ConclusionsAlthough TGF-β1 does not affect cell proliferation, it does promote cell differentiation and mineralization of HCEM cells.