Exploring Molecular Mechanisms of Fluoride's Impact on Ameloblasts Based on Transcriptome Sequencing

doi:10.13701/j.cnki.kqyxyj.2025.05.011

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the impact of sodium fluoride (NaF) on gene expression in the mouse ameloblast cell line LS8, and to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) utilizing transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). Methods: The research was divided into two groups: the control group receiving no treatment and the experimental group exposed to 1.5 mmol/L NaF for 24 hours. Post-treatment, samples were collected for RNA-seq analysis. The DEGs were identified, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was conducted. To validate the accuracy of the sequencing results, real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was employed, while Western blotting confirmed the expression levels of relevant signaling pathway proteins. Results: After 24 hours of NaF exposure, RNA-seq detected 104 DEGs-34 up-regulated and 70 down-regulated. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated notable activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in LS8 cells. RT-qPCR showed decreased mRNA levels for PI3K, Akt, and MAPK (P<0.05), corroborating findings from RNA-seq analyses. Furthermore, Western blot results revealed lower relative expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and p-p44/p42MAPK/p44/p42MAPK (P<0.05). Conclusion: Both PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways may play crucial roles in mediating the toxic effects of fluoride on ameloblasts.

Key words: transcriptome sequencing, dental fluorosis, ameloblasts, PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway

YAO Shuran, WENG Qingqing, ZHU Yiying, LIU Jia, ZHANG Ying. Exploring Molecular Mechanisms of Fluoride's Impact on Ameloblasts Based on Transcriptome Sequencing[J]. Journal of Oral Science Research, 2025, 41(5): 420-425.

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