Analysis of the effect of osteocytes cell death and DAMPs on osteoclastogenesis during tooth movement

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 22K17244
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 57070:Developmental dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Tohoku University
• Principal Investigator: Ohori Fumitoshi 東北大学, 歯学研究科, 助教 (90937129)
• Project Period (FY): 2022-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 矯正学的歯の移動 / 骨細胞 / 細胞死 / 破骨細胞 / DAMPs

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We revealed that LCN2 gene expression was increased by RNA-seq analysis of osteocytes cultured under hypoxic conditions. Although LCN2 did not have the direct effect on osteoclast formation, LCN2 indirectly promoted osteoclast formation via other osteocytes. In addition, we found that the factors containing DAMPs released from necrotic osteocytes enhanced osteoclast formation. Our results of the OTM (orthodontic tooth movement) mice suggested that cell death of osteocytes is important for osteoclast formation during orthodontic tooth movement.

Free Research Field

歯科矯正学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

近年、骨細胞が破骨細胞形成に関与していることが示されてきたが、詳細なメカニズムについて未解明な点が多く、その全容解明は骨代謝関連の学問や歯科矯正学における重要研究課題とされている。本研究により、矯正学的歯の移動に伴う低酸素・低栄養環境下において、骨細胞が放出する因子が破骨細胞形成を増強することが示唆された。骨細胞の制御による矯正治療の期間短縮が考えられるだけでなく、骨細胞をターゲットとした炎症性骨疾患等の治療法の確立などに繋がることが期待される。