Osteogenic potency of a 3-dimensional scaffold-free bonelike sphere of periodontal ligament stem cells in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aimed to investigate the osteogenic potency of scaffold-free 3-dimensional (3D) spheres of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs).


METHODS
The osteogenic potency of PDLSC spheres was determined by the ability to form mineralization and to express key osteogenesis-associated genes. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and the protein content of PDLSC spheres were also measured.


RESULTS
The 3D sphere developed its osteogenic potency in a time-dependent manner, containing approximately 10-fold higher mineralization, 5-fold higher protein content, and 4-fold greater ALP activity than those in the controls. The expression of key osteogenic genes was also upregulated in the 3D PDLSC spheres. Cellular outgrowth was observed when reintroduced into 2D culture.


CONCLUSIONS
PDLSCs were able to undergo osteogenic differentiation in a scaffold-free 3D culture, producing bonelike mineralization in vitro. This suggests, at least in vitro, the osteogenic potency of the 3D PDLSC spheres.
Assistant Professor, Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Klong, Luang, Pathum-Thani, Thailand. Electronic address: s-wrch@tu.ac.th.
Weerachai
W
Singhatanadgit
Manatsanan
M
Varodomrujiranon
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism; D002113:Calcification, Physiologic / Q000502:physiology; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D010012:Osteogenesis / Q000502:physiology*; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000166:cytology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D015854:Up-Regulation
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase