Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Gingival Fibroblasts Inhibits Osteoclast Formation
Merve Ceylan,
Ton Schoenmaker,
Jolanda M. A. Hogervorst,
Ineke D. C. Jansen,
Irene M. Schimmel,
Caya M. Prins,
Marja L. Laine,
Teun J. de Vries
Affiliations
Merve Ceylan
Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Vrije University Amsterdam, Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Ton Schoenmaker
Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Vrije University Amsterdam, Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Jolanda M. A. Hogervorst
Department of Oral Cell Biology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Vrije University Amsterdam, Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Ineke D. C. Jansen
Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Vrije University Amsterdam, Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Irene M. Schimmel
Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location AMC, University of Amsterdam and Vrije University Amsterdam, Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Caya M. Prins
Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Vrije University Amsterdam, Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Marja L. Laine
Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Vrije University Amsterdam, Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Teun J. de Vries
Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and Vrije University Amsterdam, Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Gingival fibroblasts (GFs) can differentiate into osteoblast-like cells and induce osteoclast precursors to differentiate into osteoclasts. As it is unclear whether these two processes influence each other, we investigated how osteogenic differentiation of GFs affects their osteoclast-inducing capacity. To establish step-wise mineralization, GFs were cultured in four groups for 3 weeks, without or with osteogenic medium for the final 1, 2, or all 3 weeks. The mineralization was assessed by ALP activity, calcium concentration, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Alizarin Red staining, and quantitative PCR (qPCR). To induce osteoclast differentiation, these cultures were then co-cultured for a further 3 weeks with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) containing osteoclast precursors. Osteoclast formation was assessed at different timepoints with qPCR, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), TRAcP activity, and staining. ALP activity and calcium concentration increased significantly over time. As confirmed with the Alizarin Red staining, SEM images showed that the mineralization process occurred over time. Osteoclast numbers decreased in the GF cultures that had undergone osteogenesis. TNF-α secretion, a costimulatory molecule for osteoclast differentiation, was highest in the control group. GFs can differentiate into osteoblast-like cells and their degree of differentiation reduces their osteoclast-inducing capacity, indicating that, with appropriate stimulation, GFs could be used in regenerative periodontal treatments.