Expression of Fibroblast growth factor 18 in Dental Pulp

Abstract

Various signal molecules including members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family are involved in tooth development. FGF18 is known to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation in osteogenesis and chondrogenesis. Here, we demonstrated a high expression of Fgf18 and its receptors, Fgf receptor (Fgfr) 2,3, in rodent dental pulp tissues. In vitro study revealed the promotional effects of FGF18 on proliferation of both odontoblastic MDPC-23 cells and osteoblastic Kusa-Al cells. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralized nodule formation were down-regulated in these cells in the presence of FGF18. These results suggest that FGF18 is an important signal molecule for dental pulp tissues. Further studies are necessary to reveal the precise functions of FGF18 in dental pulp tissues.