A 3D Collagen-Alginate Hydrogel Model for Mechanoregulation of Autophagy in Periodontal Ligament Cells.

ABSTRACT: Mechanical loading is a central cue in periodontal tissues, where compression of the periodontal ligament guides remodeling and orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). However, most mechanobiology studies have used two-dimensional cultures with poorly defined loading, and the role of autophagy under realistic three-dimensional compression remains unclear. In this study, we constructed a three-dimensional static compression model by encapsulating human periodontal ligament cells in collagen-alginate-CaSO₄ hydrogels, whose swelling, degradation, and viscoelasticity approximate those of native matrix. When exposed to a controlled static compressive stress, the cells exhibited an early autophagic response with increased ATG7, Beclin1, and LC3-II/LC3-I; accumulation of LC3-positive puncta;

SUBMITTER: Kang X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12841157 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature