MEF2 Transcription Factor Regulates Osteogenic Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Cell Reprogram. 2016 Aug;18(4):237-45. doi: 10.1089/cell.2016.0016.

Abstract

The myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF2) is a member of the MADS-box family. It controls the expression of genes that are critical for biological processes such as proliferation, cell death, and differentiation. Some studies have shown that MEF2 expression is enhanced in osteogenic progenitor cells established from bone marrow stromal cells with other types of mesenchymal progenitor cells. However, the effect of MEF2 on dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) is unclear. In this study, we investigate the effect of MEF2 on regulating osteogenic differentiation and proliferation of DPSCs. We find that MEF2 is stably expressed in DPSCs, and the expression is increased time-dependently along with cell osteogenic differentiation. MEF2 expression also increases the alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) activity, and enhances mineralization in DPSCs. SB202190, inhibitor of p38, blocks the p38/MEF2 pathway and osteogenic differentiation. In addition, MEF2 overexpression inhibits DPSC proliferation. In summary, our data indicate that MEF2 not only regulates DPSCs as an inhibitor of cell proliferation but is also a promoter of osteogenic differentiation through the p38/MEF2 signaling pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cell Differentiation*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Dental Pulp / cytology*
  • Dental Pulp / metabolism
  • Humans
  • MEF2 Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Osteogenesis / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • MEF2 Transcription Factors