Protective Mechanism of PINK1-mediated Mitophagy on Apoptosis of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells

doi:10.13701/j.cnki.kqyxyj.2025.12.004

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To investigate the dynamic changes of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1)-Parkin-mediated mitophagy under inflammatory conditions and its regulatory role in apoptosis of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) during periodontitis progression. Methods: Apoptosis levels in gingival tissues from healthy individuals and patients with gingivitis or periodontitis were assessed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and the expression of PINK1 and Parkin was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. PDLSCs were isolated from three groups, and the expressions of autophagy-related, mitophagy-related, and apoptosis-related proteins were analyzed by Western blotting. MitoTracker Red staining was used to examine mitochondrial function, and flow cytometry was performed to assess cell apoptosis. Results: With the progression of inflammation, apoptotic cells increased in gingival tissues. PINK1 and Parkin expression was upregulated in gingivitis tissues but downregulated in periodontitis. In PDLSCs derived from inflamed tissues, autophagy was enhanced, as evidenced by increased autophagy-related proteins and decreased p62 levels. The expression of PINK1 and Parkin showed a dynamic pattern consistent with mitophagy changes during disease progression. MitoTracker staining revealed disrupted mitochondrial distribution and reduced membrane potential in PDLSCs from the periodontitis group. Western blot and flow cytometry further confirmed elevated apoptosis, with strengthened pro-apoptotic signals and diminished anti-apoptotic activity. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that dysregulated mitophagy in periodontitis promotes PDLSC apoptosis, indicating that mitophagy plays a critical role in disease progression and may serve as a potential target for periodontal tissue regeneration.

Key words: periodontitis, gingivitis, mitophagy, autophagy, apoptosis, periodontal ligament stem cells

Repukati·DILIMAOLATI, Ailimaierdan·AINIWAER, WANG Qi, CHEN Yue, HALIYA. Protective Mechanism of PINK1-mediated Mitophagy on Apoptosis of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells[J]. Journal of Oral Science Research, 2025, 41(12): 1037-1043.

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