title: Osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells             expressing lentiviral NEL-like protein 1.
abstract: NEL-like protein 1 (NELL1) is a newly identified secreted protein involved in craniosynostosis and has been found to promote osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of NELL1 on osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) and the potential underlying mechanism. hPDLSCs underwent lentivirus-mediated NELL1 transfection (Lenti-NELL1) and markers of osteogenesis were assessed [alkaline phosphate (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN) and calcium deposition] to evaluate the effect of NELL1 on the differentiation of these cells. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to measure the mRNA expression of Msx2 and Runx2, and Lenti-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) served as a control. Western blot analysis and qPCR analyses confirmed that Lenti-NELL1-transfected hPDLSCs could express NELL1. Compared with the Lenti-EGFP group, ALP, OCN, calcium deposition and Msx2 mRNA expression were markedly increased (P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in Runx2 mRNA expression between the two groups (P>0.01). hPDLSCs can be transfected by Lenti-NELL1 and can stably express NELL1. NELL1 is able to promote the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs, which may be related to the downregulation of Msx2 expression. Lenti-NELL1 transfection can be used during in vitro gene therapy for periodontal regeneration.
authors: Chinese PLA Postgraduate Medical School, Beijing, PR China.
authors: Cai-Yun
authors: CY
authors: Chen
authors: Ya-Jing
authors: YJ
authors: Liu
authors: Sheng-Gen
authors: SG
authors: Shi
authors: Fa-Ming
authors: FM
authors: Chen
authors: Chuan
authors: C
authors: Cai
authors: Bing
authors: B
authors: Li
authors: Jing
authors: J
authors: Wang
authors: Liang
authors: L
authors: Shi
authors: Yan
authors: Y
authors: Li
authors: Zhong-Yu
authors: ZY
authors: Liu
authors: Zhong-Ying
authors: ZY
authors: Niu
mesh_terms: D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D016086:Lentivirus / Q000235:genetics; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D010012:Osteogenesis; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D014161:Transduction, Genetic
chemical_list: D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; C104144:NELL1 protein, human; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins