Decreased Mechanical Strength and Collagen Content in SPARC-Null Periodontal Ligament Is Reversed by Inhibition of Transglutaminase Activity.

ABSTRACT: The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a critical tissue that provides a physical link between the mineralized outer layer of the tooth and the alveolar bone. The PDL is composed primarily of nonmineralized fibrillar collagens. Expression of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC/osteonectin), a collagen-binding matricellular protein, has been shown to be essential for collagen homeostasis in PDL. In the absence of SPARC, PDL collagen fibers are smaller and less dense than fibers that constitute WT PDL. The aim of this study was to identify cellular mechanisms by which SPARC affected collagen fiber assembly and morphology in PDL. Cross-linking of fibrillar collagens is one parameter that is known to affect insoluble collagen incorporation and fiber morphology. Herein, the reduction

SUBMITTER: Trombetta-eSilva J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4734383 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature