Expression Of FHL2 Protein During Mineralization Of Human Periodontal Ligament Cells In Vitro

Objective:FHL2 is a member of the LIM-only subclass of the LIM-protein superfamily. The members of the FHL2 subclass consist of four-and-a-half LIM domains only. FHL2 is the best studied member of this family. FHL2 is highly expressed in osteoblast, especially 3 times than usual during the differentiation from bone marrow cells to osteoblasts. Until now, the researches have proved that FHL2 can interacts with Runx2 to improve transcriptional activity. And the Runx2 is a key to regulate the functions of ostioblasts. Taken together, these results may suggest the possibility of its accelerating periodontal regeneration in some degree.Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) as the main functional cells in periodontium, have multipotential for differentiation and play a key role in wound healing and periodontal tissue regeneration.The purpose of present study was to investigate the expression of FHL2 during mineralization of cultured human periodontal ligament cells, and initially explore its possible efffect on its periodontal development and regeneration.Methods:hPDLCs were obtained from healthy premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons. Experiments were carried out with cells from the fourth to sixth passages. hPDLCs were differentiated via culturing in the presence of dexamethasone, asorbic acid and P-glycerophosphate for bone-like mineralized nodule formation.1.On day 0,14,28,Alizarin Red Stain was used to measure the mineral nodes, and immunocytochemistry was used to examine the expression of FHL2 protein.2. Expression of FHL2 mRNA was analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction on day0,14, and 28.Results:On day14, the mineral nodes have formed, and Alizarin Red Stain was positive. FHL2 was expressed at every time point, generally held at a statistically significantly higher level compared with control. For mRNA of FHL2,1.4-fold increased on day 14.(P＜0.01)Conclusion:FHL2 protein is found to be involved in the mineralization of human periodontal ligament cells. FHL2 protein may play a role in the differentiation and mineralization of human periodontal ligament cells.