Comparative gene expression profiles of dental follicle at different stages of periodontal development: Combined use of laser capture microdissection and microarray

Abstract

Objectives Odontogenesis is dependent on serial temporal and spatial epithelial-mesenchymal interaction. Multiple signaling networks have been identified in the inductive interactions of odontogenesis at the early stage. Technical obstacles and heterogeneity of the dental follicle (DF), which is the origin of the majority of periodontal tissues, have hindered the clarification of the molecular blueprint in early periodontal tissue development. This has in turn hindered studies of new/effective periodontal regeneration therapy. In this study, we comparatively analyzed the gene expression profiles of DF at E17 (when DF cells are histologically recognized) and PN2 (the initiation of periodontal development).

Methods Gene expression profiles of DF at E17 and PN2 were assessed by the combined use of laser capture microdissection and microarray.

Results Comparative gene expression analysis of DF at E17 and PN2 during periodontal development revealed > 2-fold up-regulation and down-regulation of 2519 and 5060 genes, respectively. Bioinformatic analysis of the selected genes revealed that the temporally changed genes were mostly enriched in GO terms relative to the vasculature system, and were sometimes linked to multiple processes. RT-qPCR was used to verify the microarray data.

Conclusions The delineation of the differential gene expressions between pre- and post-natal developmental stages of DF in vivo will increase the understanding of periodontal tissue development.