Mechanism of miRNA-encapsulated exosomes to suppress pulpitis and promote repair and application to clinical practice

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K18526
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 57030:Conservative dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo Medical and Dental University
• Principal Investigator: Nara Keisuke 東京医科歯科大学, 歯学部附属病院, 非常勤講師 (00844333)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 歯髄炎 / miRNA

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we elucidated the roles played by several miRNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms in the healing and repair processes in pulpitis. Furthermore, we investigated the clinical applications of exosomes encapsulating miRNAs involved in inflammation and repair, such as the development of new pulp covering agents to contribute to pulp preservation.
It was suggested that miR-21, miR-146b, and miR-27a, which are produced during inflammation, have an anti-inflammatory function, and miR-27a also has a function of inducing hard tissue formation, one of the healing forms of dental pulp, which is mediated by exosomes. These results are expected to lead to the creation of novel therapies intended to control pulp pathology or improve the success rate of regenerative therapy.

Free Research Field

歯髄生物学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

炎症は組織破壊にのみ加担すると考えられてきたが、近年では治癒機転のトリガーともなっていることも判明している。したがって、治癒機転を誘導する因子をスクリーニングし、その因子を有効に利用することで、効率的な治癒を誘導することが可能であると考えられる。
歯髄炎において炎症と組織修復のクロストークの視点からエクソソームの放出動態や内包されるmiRNAを介した調節機序を解析した報告は未だ多くなく、さらに、エクソソームを利用した覆髄剤の開発は生体が生来備える組織修復機構を応用した生体為害性の低い治療法としての有用性が期待される。