Publications by authors named "Yukari Ebe"

Bone morphogenetic protein-9 (BMP-9) has been shown to potently induce osteoblastic differentiation of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) and may be a candidate therapeutic agent for periodontal tissue healing/regeneration, but the effect of the inflammatory environment of periodontitis on such approaches is unclear. We investigated whether interleukin-1β (IL-1β) affected BMP-9-mediated osteoblastic differentiation of human (h) PDLFs. IL-1β suppressed BMP-9-induced osteogenic differentiation of hPDLFs, as evidenced by reduced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization, and the downregulated expression of BMP-9-mediated bone-related genes, RUNX2, SP7, IBSP, and SPP1.

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Periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs) have osteogenic capacity, producing bone matrix proteins. Application of bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) to PDLFs is a promising approach for periodontal regeneration. However, in chronic bone metabolic disorders, such as periodontitis, proper control of accompanying inflammation is essential for optimizing the effects of BMPs on PDLFs.

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Article Synopsis
  • Wnts are important proteins that regulate various cellular functions, including bone development, through both canonical and noncanonical signaling pathways.
  • Wnt5a has been identified as a key player in noncanonical signaling, activating pathways that support normal bone function, yet its exact role in bone formation is largely unexplored.
  • In this study, researchers found that Wnt5a and its receptor Ror2 are crucial for BMP-2-mediated bone cell differentiation, indicating a significant role for the Wnt5a/Ror2 signaling pathway in bone health outside of traditional Smad-dependent mechanisms.
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Cementoblasts, tooth root lining cells, are responsible for laying down cementum on the root surface, a process that is indispensable for establishing a functional periodontal ligament. Cementoblasts share phenotypical features with osteoblasts. Elevated levels of extracellular Ca(2+) have been implicated in osteogenesis by stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts; however, the role of extracellular Ca(2+) signaling in cementogenesis has not been examined.

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