Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) express matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a group of enzymes responsible for the destruction of most extracellular matrix proteins in dental tissues, especially MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-13. Exploring the regulatory mechanism of MMPs is crucial for understanding external root resorption (ERR), one of the most severe complications, along with substantial loss of dental tissue, induced by trauma, pulpal infection, tooth bleaching, and orthodontic treatment, etc. Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1), a cell surface receptor binding to collagen, has the potential to regulate the expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-13, but the mechanism remains unclear. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the connection and underlying mechanism between MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-13, and DDR1 in hPDLCs. Our post-replantation ERR model revealed that Mmp-1, Mmp-2, Mmp-13, and Ddr1 all increased in the sites of ERR. hPDLCs with DDR1 knockdown exhibited a substantial reduction in MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-13 expression. To further confirm the underlying mechanism, we conducted further in vitro experiments, including RNA sequencing, RNA interference, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and ELISA. Based on our results, MMP-1 was positively regulated by the Smad2/3 and MEK-ERK1/2 pathways and negatively regulated by the PI3K-Akt pathway through CCN2. MMP-2 and MMP-13 were positively regulated by the Smad2/3 pathway. MMP-13 was positively regulated by the MEK-ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Collectively, DDR1 is a potent regulator of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-13 expression through the Smad2/3, MEK-ERK1/2, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Clarifying the significance and underlying mechanism by which DDR1 is involved in ERR might bring the chances to hinder the pathogenic process of ERR, hence reducing its incidence rate.
Keywords: MAPK; PI3K/Akt; Smad2/3; discoidin domain receptor 1; matrix metalloproteinases; periodontal ligament cells.