Osr2 (odd-skipped related 2) induced differentiation of hard-tissue forming cells in mouse dental papilla cells

Abstract

Abstract : The odd-skipped related (Osr) gene is a zinc-finger transcription factor that is involved in embryonic development and bone formation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of Osr2 in odonto/osteoblastic differentiation of mouse dental papilla cells (MDPs). Osr2 mRNA expression in the dental pulp tissues of upper and lower incisors and gingival tissues was examined using C57BL/6 mice. MDPs were cultured in α-modified minimum essential medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum and antibiotics. The Osr2 expression vector was transfected into MDPs, and a stable cell line was selected. Relatively high expression of Osr2 was detected in the dental pulp tissues compared to gingival tissues. Enhanced expression of Osr2 in MDPs promoted the expression of odonto/osteoblastic genes and nodule formation. These results suggested the involvement of Osr2 in the odonto/osteoblastic differentiation of MDPs/dental pulp cells, which may occur in the mature dental pulp tissues.