title: Filifactor alocis interactions with gingival epithelial cells.
abstract: An association between the gram-positive anaerobe Filifactor alocis and periodontal disease has recently emerged; however, possible pathogenic mechanisms have not been investigated. In this study we examined the responses of primary cultures of gingival epithelial cells (GECs) to infection with F. alocis. Secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α from GECs was stimulated by F. alocis infection. F. alocis also induced apoptosis in GECs through pathways that involved caspase-3 but not caspase-9. Apoptosis was coincident with inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) activation. These results show that F. alocis has characteristics in common with established periodontal pathogens and has the potential to contribute to periodontal tissue destruction.
authors: Center for Oral Health and Systemic Disease, School of Dentistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
authors: C E
authors: CE
authors: Moffatt
authors: S E
authors: SE
authors: Whitmore
authors: A L
authors: AL
authors: Griffen
authors: E J
authors: EJ
authors: Leys
authors: R J
authors: RJ
authors: Lamont
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis / Q000276:immunology; D015153:Blotting, Western; D053148:Caspase 3 / Q000032:analysis; D053453:Caspase 9 / Q000032:analysis; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005673:Fusobacterium / Q000276:immunology / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D005674:Fusobacterium Infections / Q000276:immunology; D005881:Gingiva / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology*; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000032:analysis; D053583:Interleukin-1beta / Q000032:analysis; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000032:analysis; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000276:immunology; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D020929:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D053583:Interleukin-1beta; D015850:Interleukin-6; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D020929:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases; D053148:Caspase 3; D053453:Caspase 9