| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3146786 | Journal of Endodontics | 2015 | 7 Pages |
•Collagen is one of the most popular natural materials to serve as a scaffold, and it is usually cross-linked with other agents.•Genipin is a naturally occurring organic compound that is widely used for collagen cross-linking.•We investigated the effect of genipin on odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) and the role of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) as a target and mediator of the differentiation.•Our results suggest that application of genipin might be a new strategy for tissue engineering–based regenerative endodontic treatment.
IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of genipin, a natural collagen cross-linking agent, on odontogenic differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPCs) because the mechanical properties of collagen allow it to serve as a scaffold for engineering of pulp-dentin complex. Furthermore, the role of extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) was investigated as a mediator of the differentiation.MethodsThe odontogenic differentiation was analyzed by alkaline phosphatase activity, real time-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and alizarin red S staining. The morphologic features of hDPCs cultured in genipin-treated collagen were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. For the assessment of mechanical properties of collagen treated with genipin, the surface roughness and compressive strength were measured.ResultsAlkaline phosphatase activity, the expression of odontogenic markers, and mineralized nodule formation increased in the genipin-treated group. Genipin also activated ERK, and treatment with ERK inhibitor blocked the expression of the markers. The cells cultured in genipin-treated collagen spread across the substrate and attached in close proximity to one another. The proliferation and differentiation of hDPCs cultured in genipin-treated collagen were facilitated. The mechanical properties of collagen, such as surface roughness and compressive strength, were increased by treatment with genipin.ConclusionsOur results show that genipin promotes odontogenic differentiation of hDPCs via the ERK signaling pathway. Furthermore, the enhanced mechanical properties of the collagen scaffold induced by genipin may play important roles in cell fate. Consequently, the application of genipin might be a new strategy for dentin-pulp complex regeneration.
