Defining the role of cementocytes in dental cementum homeostasis during orthodontic movement

Abstract

Cementocytes not only share morphological features with osteocytes, but also express several common biomakers. However, in contrast to osteocytes, there is a lack of evidence on the potential biological properties of cementocytes. Thus, we hypothesized that cementocytes play an important role in dental cementum homeostasis during Orthodontic Tooth Movement (OTM). In order to test our hypothesis, a comparative and systematic proteomic analysis of the dental cementum will be performed using liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), followed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) to validate LC-MS/MS selected findings in areas whether or not occurred orthodontic tooth movement. In addition, morphological and ultrastructural changes in cementocytes will be assessed by transmission electron microscopy, confocal microscopy in samples labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate and micro-computed tomography. We anticipate we will be able to define the role of cementocytes in dental cementum homeostasis during OTM and also map potential biomolecules critically involved with dental cementum homeostasis. (AU)