Early osteogenic differential protein profile detected by proteomic analysis in human periodontal ligament cells

Abstract

Background and Objective: Human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) play a pivotal role in maintaining periodontal ligament space, have the ability to differentiate into cementoblasts/osteoblasts-like cells, and a tremendous potential to regenerate periodontal tissue. The exact molecular mechanisms governing the differentiation status of PDLCs remains largely unknown. This study was to investigate the differentially expressed proteins involved in the osteogenic differentiation of PDLCs.
Material and Methods: Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE), mass spectrometry (MS), and peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF), we have analyzed the differential protein profiles of PDLCs undergoing mineralization condition.
Results: Compared to undifferentiated PDLCs, 61 proteins with at least a 1.5-fold change were detected, of which 29 differentially expressed proteins were successfully identified by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The expression of some of the identified proteins was further confirmed by western blot and RT-PCR analysis. The identified proteins were found to belong to cytoskeleton proteins and cytoskeleton-associated proteins, nuclear proteins and cell membrane-bound molecules.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that these proteins may be associated with the unique function of PDLCs in maintaining periodontal tissue homeostasis, providing a comprehensive reference to understand and further study the molecular mechanisms of PDLCs involved in periodontal regeneration.