%0 Journal Article
%T Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Promote Cementoblast Differentiation and Mineralization through the TGF-¦Â/Smad Signaling Pathway
%A Lu Li
%A Zhimin Zhu
%A Weixiong Xiao
%A Lei Li
%J International Journal of Molecular Sciences
%P 3188-3201
%D 2015
%I MDPI AG
%R 10.3390/ijms16023188
%X Excretion of cementum by cementoblasts on the root surface is a process indispensable for the formation of a functional periodontal ligament. This study investigated whether carboxyl group-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-COOH) could enhance differentiation and mineralization of mammalian cementoblasts (OCCM-30) and the possible signaling pathway involved in this process. Cementoblasts were incubated with various doses of MWCNT-COOH suspension. Cell viability was detected, and a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observed both the nanomaterials and the growth of cells cultured with the materials. Alizarin red staining was used to investigate the formation of calcium deposits. Real-time PCR and western blot were used to detect cementoblast differentiation and the underlying mechanisms through the expression of the osteogenic genes and the downstream effectors of the TGF-¦Â/Smad signaling. The results showed that 5 ¦Ìg/mL MWCNT-COOH had the most obvious effects on promoting differentiation without significant toxicity. Alp, Ocn, Bsp, Opn, Col1 and Runx2 gene expression was up-regulated. Smad2 and Smad3 mRNA was up-regulated, while Smad7 was first down-regulated on Day 3 and later up-regulated on Day 7. The elevated levels of phospho-Smad2/3 were also confirmed by western blot. In sum, the MWCNT-COOH promoted cementoblast differentiation and mineralization, at least partially, through interactions with the TGF-¦Â/Smad pathway.
%K carbon nanotubes
%K cementoblasts
%K differentiation
%K mineralization
%U http://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/16/2/3188