Downregulation of heat shock protein B8 decreases osteogenic differentiation potential of dental pulp stem cells during in vitro proliferation

Cell Prolif. 2018 Apr;51(2):e12420. doi: 10.1111/cpr.12420. Epub 2017 Dec 20.

Abstract

Objectives: Tissue-derived stem cells, such as dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), reduce differentiation capability during in vitro culture. We found that cultured DPSCs reduce expression of heat shock protein B8 (HspB8) and GIPC PDZ domain containing family member 2 (Gipc2). Our objectives were to evaluate the changes in DPSC composition during in vitro proliferation and to determine whether HspB8 and Gipc2 have function in differentiation potential of DPSCs.

Materials and methods: Different passages of rat DPSCs were evaluated for changes in CD90+ and/or CD271+ stem cells and changes in osteogenic potential. Real-time RT-PCR and immunostaining were conducted to determine expression of HspB8 and Gipc2. Expression of the genes in DPSCs was knocked down by siRNA, followed by osteogenic induction to evaluate the function of the genes.

Results: About 90% of cells in the DPSC cultures were CD90+ and/or CD271+ cells without dramatic change during in vitro proliferation. The DPSCs at passages 3 to 5 (P3 to P5) possess strong osteogenic potential, but such potential was greatly reduced at later passages. Expression of HspB8 and Gipc2 was significantly reduced at P11 versus P3. Knock-down of HspB8 expression abolished osteogenic potential of the DPSCs, but knock-down of Gipc2 had no effect.

Conclusions: CD90+ and CD271+ cells are the major components of DPSCs in in vitro culture. High-level expression of HspB8 was critical for maintaining differentiation potential of DPSCs.

Keywords: GIPC PDZ Domain Containing Family Member 2 (Gipc2); dental pulp; differentiation; gene expression; heat shock protein B8 (HspB8); stem cells.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / physiology*
  • Cell Proliferation / physiology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dental Pulp / cytology
  • Dental Pulp / metabolism*
  • Down-Regulation / physiology*
  • Heat-Shock Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Osteogenesis / physiology*
  • Rats
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / metabolism*

Substances

  • Heat-Shock Proteins
  • HspB8 protein, rat