Effects of Absorbable Atelocollagen Matrix on Gene Expression of Osteoblast

Abstract

Purpose: The absorbable atelocollagen matrix (AAM) is a multi-porous and fibrillar synthetic collagen material, which is widely used as a carrier or scaffold in the area of tissue engineering and molecular biology because of its excellent biocompatibility and manipulability. Recently, AAM is being utilized in extraction socket or ridge preservation for dental implant placement. The purpose of this study is to investigate the direct effects of the AAM on the gene expressions of osteoblast by using microarray.

Materials and Methods: Teruplug�� (Olympus Terumo, Tokyo, Japan) was applied at a concentration of 100 mg/ml in osteoblast-like MG63 cells for 12 and 24 hours. Total RNA was extracted and the genetic effects of the AAM on osteoblasts were examined by using DNA microarrays. After significantly up- or down-regulated genes were selected and classified according to their biologic function, their down-stream expressions were confirmed by RT-PCR.

Results: Among 24,546 genes, 135 genes showed differences of more than 2-fold compared with those of the control group. Eighty nine genes were up-regulated and BMP4 and MAPK6 were found to be significantly up-regulated by RT-PCR. Also, 46 genes, including IL8, were down-regulated.

Conclusions: The AAM might have positive effects on the bone formation by osteoblasts through activating the metabolism and growth/differentiation of osteoblasts while securely settled on the graft site mainly suppressing the acute immune reaction of osteoblasts. In particular, some candidate genes, such as BMP4, MAPK6, and IL8, might be closely associated in this process.