Analysis of transcription mechanism of junctional epithelial expressed protein for periodontal disease prevention

2020 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K19039
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 57030:Conservative dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Nihon University
• Principal Investigator: NODA Keisuke 日本大学, 松戸歯学部, 兼任講師 (30822621)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2021-03-31
• Keywords: 歯周病 / アメロチン / microRNA / 接合上皮

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study is to understand the complex dynamics of microRNAs in the junctional epithelium during inflammation by analyzing how microRNAs affect the gene expression of amelotin (AMTN), a protein specific to the junctional epithelium. Using TNF-α in cultured cells into which a miRNA expression vector was introduced, we elucidated the mechanism of AMTN gene expression regulation by miR-150, miR-223, and miR-200b whose expression is increased in inflammatory gingiva. From these results, it was considered that miRNA partially suppressed the expression of AMTN gene. Therefore, it was found that miRNA may regulate the expression of AMTN, which is specifically expressed in the junctional epithelium.

Free Research Field

歯周病学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では、miRNA発現ベクターを導入した培養細胞に対して炎症性サイトカインのTNF-αを用い、炎症時の細胞環境を再現することで、炎症性歯肉で発現が増加するmiR-150、miR-223およびmiR-200bによるAMTN遺伝子発現調節機構を解明してきた。それらの解析結果からmiRNAがAMTN遺伝子の発現を部分的に抑制していることが考えられた。接合上皮は歯周組織において防御機構としての働きがあるとされており、miRNAはそこに特異的に発現するAMTNの発現を調節している可能性を見出すことができた。