Date of Award
Summer 7-10-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Dentistry
First Advisor
Dawei Liu
Second Advisor
Jeffrey Toth
Third Advisor
Marinho Del Santo
Abstract
ABSTRACT LOW-MAGNITUDE HIGH-FREQUENCY MECHANICAL VIBRATION ENHANCES OSTEOGENESIS IN HUMAN PDL CELLS THROUGH PIEZO1 ION CHANNEL Mina Oh, D.M.D Marquette University, 2025 Introduction: Low-magnitude high-frequency (LMHF) mechanical vibration has been shown to enhance osteogenesis in various osteogenic tissues and cells, including periodontal ligament (PDL) cells, however its effectiveness remains relatively low. The Piezo1 mechanosensitive ion channel plays a critical role in mechanotransduction, however its specific involvement in the LMHF-induced osteogenesis is unknown. This study aims to elucidate the role of Piezo1 in mediating osteogenic responses in human PDL cells subjected to LMHF mechanical vibration. Materials and Methods: Human PDL cells were cultured in osteogenic α-MEM medium supplemented with appropriate growth factors for osteogenic differentiation. Three groups were analyzed: control (no vibration), vibration only, and vibration combined with the Piezo1 agonist Yoda1 (10 µM). For osteogenesis study, treatment groups were subjected to LMHF (0.3g, 120 Hz) mechanical vibration using VPro5 for 1 hour daily over 14 consecutive days. Mineralized nodule formation was assessed using Alizarin Red S staining. For gene expression study, the cells were seeded under the same experimental conditions and exposed to 1 hour daily vibration for 3 days. Gene expression levels of osteogenic markers and Piezo1 were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA with Tukey post hoc comparison using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version 29). Results: LMHF vibration significantly increased bone nodule formation compared to control (p<0.01), with the greatest effect observed when combined with Yoda1-treatment (p<0.01). qRT-PCR analysis revealed upregulations of Piezo1 and stage-specific osteogenic marker (RUNX2, Collagen I, and Osteocalcin) genes in response to vibration, with further enhancement when combined with Yoda1 treatment. Conclusion: LMHF mechanical vibration promotes osteogenesis in hPDLCs partially through activation and upregulation of the Piezo1 mechanosensitive channel, highlighting its potential role in the vibration-induced bone formation. Clinically, these findings highlight the potential of Piezo1 as a therapeutic target to enhance the LMHF-induced alveolar bone formation during orthodontic retention.