IL‐6 regulated stress‐induced Rex‐1 expression in stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of mechanical stress on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). METHODS: Cells were stimulated with mechanical stress ranging from 0 to 2.5 g cm⁻² for 2 h in serum-free condition. The expression of stem cell markers was examined by polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry. The molecular mechanisms of these effects were investigated by means of inhibitors and siRNA. RESULTS: Mechanical stress induced Rex-1 expression in a force-dependent manner. The upregulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was also observed. Application of neutralizing antibody against IL-6 and IL-6 siRNA could attenuate the mechanical stress-induced Rex-1 expression. In addition, the increase in mRNA levels of Rex-1 was observed after treating SHED with an exogenous IL-6. This inductive effect was attenuated by JAK inhibitor, suggesting the involvement of JAK signaling pathway. CONCLUSION: These results suggest the role of mechanical stress in the regulation of stemness via IL-6-Rex-1 interaction.