Periostin of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts promotes migration of human mesenchymal stem cell through the αvβ3 integrin/ FAK / PI 3 K / A kt pathway

Background and Objective The periodontal ligament ( PDL ) is characterized by rapid turnover, high remodeling capacity and high inherent regenerative potential compared with other connective tissues. Periostin, which is highly expressed in the fibroblasts in the PDL , has been widely discussed in relation to collagen fibrillogenesis in the PDL . Recently, several reports have indicated periostin in cell migration. The aim of this study was to examine whether human PDL fibroblasts ( hPDLF s) with high levels of periostin expression promote the migration of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells ( hMSC s). Material and Methods The migration of hMSC s was examined by transwell chamber migration assay under different conditions: medium alone, hPDLF s, human dermal fibroblast s, recombinant periostin, integrin αvβ3 blocking antibody (anti‐ CD 51/61 antibody) and inhibitors of FAK ( PF 431396) and PI 3 K ( LY 294002). Phosphorylation of FAK and A kt in hMSC s under stimulation of periostin was examined by western blotting. Results The migration assay revealed that the number of migrated hMSC s by hPDLF s was significantly larger than those by dermal fibroblasts, periostin small interfering RNA hPDLF s and medium alone. Furthermore, recombinant periostin also strongly induced hMSC migration. The addition of anti‐ CD 51/61 antibody, PF 431396 and LY 294002 caused a significant reduction in the number of migrated hMSC s respectively. The anti‐ CD 51/61 antibody inhibited both FAK and A kt phosphorylations under periostin stimulation. PF 431396 inhibited both FAK and A kt phosphorylations. LY 294002 inhibited only A kt phosphorylation, and FAK phosphorylation was not influenced under periostin stimulation. Conclusion Periostin expression in hPDLF s promotes the migration of hMSC s through the αvβ3 integrin/ FAK / PI 3 K / A kt pathway in vitro .