Transcription factor CREB is phosphorylated in human molar odontoblasts and cementoblasts in vivo

Histochem Cell Biol. 2013 Apr;139(4):615-20. doi: 10.1007/s00418-012-1047-8. Epub 2012 Nov 10.

Abstract

A wide variety of stimuli can trigger activation of the transcription factor CREB (cAMP-responsive element binding protein), pointing toward a central role for CREB in the integration of various signaling inputs. No data are available on the expression and phosphorylation of CREB in mammalian teeth. Using immunohistochemical analysis of free-floating sections, we show here that CREB was strongly expressed and phosphorylated at Ser-133 within the nucleus of a subpopulation of adult human molar odontoblasts. Many dental pulp stromal cells and periodontal ligament fibroblasts expressed CREB and showed phosphorylation of CREB at Ser-133. In addition, cementoblasts displayed nuclear expression and phosphorylation of CREB at Ser-133. The epithelial rests of Malassez revealed strong nuclear expression of CREB, but phosphorylation at Ser-133 was variable. Our results provide the first evidence that the constitutively phosphorylated transcription factor CREB is involved in the biomineralization process of adult human molar odontoblasts and cementoblasts.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / metabolism*
  • Dental Cementum / metabolism*
  • Dental Pulp / cytology
  • Dental Pulp / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Molar / metabolism*
  • Odontoblasts / metabolism*
  • Periodontal Ligament / cytology
  • Periodontal Ligament / metabolism
  • Phosphorylation
  • Signal Transduction
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • CREB1 protein, human
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein