Shikonin promotes osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells by modulating the p38 MAPK/ETS transcription factor 1/cementum protein 1 axis in vitro
Randomized trial investigates Shikonin's effect on osteogenic differentiation in periodontal ligament stem cells, suggesting a therapeutic avenue for periodontal repair.
Key Points
This research explores how Shikonin influences the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and delineates the underlying mechanisms.
PDLSCs were isolated from extracted premolars and characterized using flow cytometry.
Cells were cultured with Shikonin in an osteogenic medium, followed by assessment of alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium nodule formation.
Dual-luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses confirmed the interaction between ELK1 and the CEMP1 promoter.
Shikonin increased ALP staining by 7.6-fold and ARS staining by 6.9-fold (p < 0.01).
Activation of the p38 MAPK pathway led to ELK1 phosphorylation, enhancing osteogenic differentiation (p < 0.05).
ELK1 transcriptionally activated CEMP1 expression, contributing to this differentiation process (p < 0.05).