JDR JDR Most Cited Articles
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

This Article
Right arrow Figures Only
Right arrow Full Text
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Appendix
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in ISI Web of Science
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Galler, K.M.
Right arrow Articles by D’Souza, R.N.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Galler, K.M.
Right arrow Articles by D’Souza, R.N.
J Dent Res 86(10):951-955, 2007
© 2007 International and American Associations for Dental Research

RAPID COMMUNICATION
Biological

A Novel Role for Twist-1 in Pulp Homeostasis

K.M. Galler1,2, A. Yasue1, A.C. Cavender1, P. Bialek3, G. Karsenty4, and R.N. D’Souza1,*

1 Department of Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Baylor College of Dentistry, 3302 Gaston Avenue, Dallas, TX 75246, USA;
2 Department of Restorative Dentistry and Periodontology, University of Regensburg, Germany;
3 Wyeth Research, 87 Cambridge Park Drive, Cambridge, MA, USA; and
4 Dept. of Genetics & Development, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA

* corresponding author, rd'souza{at}bcd.tamhsc.edu

The molecular mechanisms that maintain the equilibrium of odontoblast progenitor cells in dental pulp are unknown. Here we tested whether homeostasis in dental pulp is modulated by Twist-1, a nuclear protein that partners with Runx2 during osteoblast differentiation. Our analysis of Twist-1(+/–) mice revealed phenotypic changes that involved an earlier onset of dentin matrix formation, increased alkaline phosphatase activity, and pulp stones within the pulp. RT-PCR analyses revealed Twist-1 expression in several adult organs, including pulp. Decreased levels of Twist-1 led to higher levels of type I collagen and Dspp gene expression in perivascular cells associated with the pulp stones. In mice heterozygous for both Twist-1 and Runx2 inactivation, the phenotype of pulp stones appeared completely rescued. These findings suggest that Twist-1 plays a key role in restraining odontoblast differentiation, thus maintaining homeostasis in dental pulp. Furthermore, Twist-1 functions in dental pulp are dependent on its interaction with Runx2.

KEY WORDS: Twist-1 • Runx2 • pulp stones • homeostasis • dental stem cells • odontoblast






HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
IADR Journals Advances in Dental Research ®
Journal of Dental Research ® Critical Reviews (1990-2004)
Copyright © 2007 Institutional Access Guidelines