Mechanical Force in Conjunction with RANKL Enhances Osteoclastogenesis and Bone Resorption during Rapid Palatal Expansion by NF-κB/NFATC1/TRAP Signaling Transduction

doi:10.13701/j.cnki.kqyxyj.2026.05.008

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To detect the mechanism of osteoclastogenesis during palatal expansion and analyze the role of NF-κB signal transduction in this process. Methods: Forty 8-week-old male C57/BL6J mice were randomly divided into a control group, a 3-day expansion group, a 5-day expansion group, and a 7-day expansion group. Open springs were bonded to incisors to achieve palatal expansion process. After harvest, micro-CT was used to observe bone remodeling. Tissue sections were prepared and histological changes were observed by HE staining. Osteoclasts were observed by TRAP staining. Tissue samples were collected for RNA extraction, and RT-qPCR was performed to detect the expression of osteoclast-related genes Ctsk and Trap. RAW264.7 cells were used to simulate mechanical loading in vitro and divided into a control group, a force group, a RANKL treatment group, and a RANKL + force group. The regulatory effects of force combined with RANKL on osteoclastogenesis and the NF-κB/NFATC1/TRAP signaling transduction were examined by TRAP staining, immunofluorence staining, and western blot. Results: Mechanical force significantly increased the width of the palatal suture in mice and induced bone remodeling. Bone volume showed a decreasing trend from the early to middle stages of expansion. The number of osteoclasts first increased and then decreased over time, peaking in the 5-day group [(16.00±1.63) cells]. The expression of Trap and Ctsk genes also showed an initial increase followed by a decrease. RANKL expression was the highest in the middle expansion stage [5-day group, (31.75±2.75) positive cells], while OPG expression continued to increase until the late stage. Force promoted NF-κB nuclear translocation in RAW264.7 cells and increased the expression of NFATC1 and TRAP proteins. The combination of force and RANKL significantly enhanced this process. Conclusion: Mechanical force enhances the NF-κB/NFATC1/TRAP signaling transduction in osteoclasts, promoting osteoclast activation and bone resorption during the early stage of palatal expansion.

Key words: RANKL/OPG signaling pathway, NF-κB, palatal expansion, bone remodeling

ZHAI Rongping, LI Jing. Mechanical Force in Conjunction with RANKL Enhances Osteoclastogenesis and Bone Resorption during Rapid Palatal Expansion by NF-κB/NFATC1/TRAP Signaling Transduction[J]. Journal of Oral Science Research, 2026, 42(5): 405-413.

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