Analysis of the function of Cdc42 in the maintenance and defense mechanisms of gingival junction epithelium.

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K09978
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 57030:Conservative dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Showa University
• Principal Investigator: Aizawa Ryo 昭和大学, 歯学部, 助教 (80710673)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 田中 準一 昭和大学, 歯学部, 講師 (40710166) ; 美島 健二 昭和大学, 歯学部, 教授 (50275343)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: Cdc42 / 不死化接合上皮細胞

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we investigated the function of Cdc42 in the protective state of junctional epithelium against periodontitis using immortalized junctional epithelial cells JE-1. Stimulation of JE-1 with LPS derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis was shown to decrease cell proliferation and migration capacity. Examination of gene expression showed that LPS increased the expression of Cdc42, Cxcl2 and Slpi, and decreased the expression of Cxcl10, Cdh1 and Itgb4 in JE-1. These results suggest that Cdc42 may also be involved in enhancing the defense of junctional epithelial cells against periodontal pathogenic bacteria by regulating cytoskeleton and cell motility and increasing intercellular permeability.

Free Research Field

歯周病学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

Cdc42と歯周病に着目した研究はこれまでほとんどなく、特に接合上皮細胞におけるCdc42の役割は明らかでなかった。本研究結果から、接合上皮の歯周炎に対する防御機能において、Cdc42が重要な役割を果たしていることが示唆された。今後、Cdc42に着目した歯周炎の予防および治療に有用な手法を見出せる可能性がある。