title: Osteoblasts interact with MTA surfaces and express Runx2.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Periradicular healing involves osteoblasts that are dependent on the Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2). The purpose of this study was to determine if mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) root-end filling materials support Runx2 expression in osteoblasts.
  
  
  METHODS
  Human alveolar bone cells were grown on alternative formulations of MTA. Cell-surface interactions were visualized by scanning electron microscopy. Gene expression was examined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cells attached to and spread out on MTA surfaces within 24 hours and formed a collagenous matrix overlay within 1 week of growth. Runx2 expression increased from low levels in the 24-hour cultures to an abundance during 2 weeks of growth and differentiation on MTA surfaces and on tissue culture plastic controls. The cells responded similarly to ProRoot, Tooth-Colored MTA, and MTA mixed with local anesthetic solution.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mineral trioxide aggregate materials support cell attachment and Runx2 expression in osteoblasts.
authors.affiliation: Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. hiran.perinpanayagam@schulich.uwo.ca
authors.forename: Hiran
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Perinpanayagam
authors.forename: Ebtehal
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Al-Rabeah
mesh_terms: D017607:Aluminum Compounds / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000166:cytology; D001857:Bone Matrix / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development; D017610:Calcium Compounds / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D050659:Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D004338:Drug Combinations; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D010087:Oxides / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017640:Silicates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D017607:Aluminum Compounds; D017610:Calcium Compounds; D050659:Core Binding Factor Alpha 1 Subunit; D004338:Drug Combinations; D010087:Oxides; C493709:RUNX2 protein, human; D012387:Root Canal Filling Materials; D017640:Silicates; C086631:mineral trioxide aggregate