Evaluation of the cell-matrix interaction and its influence on the profile of matrix metalloproteinases secreted by human dental pulp stem cells

Abstract

Tissue Bioengineering is an approach that aims to reestablish function or replace a specific tissue through the association of cells, biomaterials (scafffolds) and signaling molecules. In this context, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively studied as well as biomaterials based on collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the extracellular matrix (ECM), its remodeling is crucial in the development, homeostasis and tissue regeneration. It is recognized by receptors located on the cell surface, such as integrins, discoidin domain receptors (DDRs) and uPARAP/Endo180, triggering the activation of various intracellular pathways. This remodeling occurs in the pericellular environment by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the balance controlled by their inhibitors (TIMPs and RECK). The control of degradation rate is important for the success of tissue regeneration. Little is known about the MSCs-MEC interaction, the profile of expressed receptors and how this may lead to regulation of MMPs. Our group has been working to identify MMPs and their inhibitors secreted by human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) seeded on various biomaterials and induced to osteogenic differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Thus the aim of this work is the evaluation of the expression of collagen receptors (integrins, DDRs and uPARAP/Endo180) in undifferentiated DPSCs and during the induction of osteoblastic differentiation as well as their relations with the expression of MMPs and their inhibitors seeded on type I collagen. (AU)