Int. J. Dev. Biol. 36: 491 - 503 (1992)

Vol 36, Issue 4

Effects of dentin proteins, transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) and bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) on the differentiation of odontoblast in vitro

Published: 1 December 1992

C Bègue-Kirn, A J Smith, J V Ruch, J M Wozney, A Purchio, D Hartmann and H Lesot

Institut de Biologie Médicale, Faculté de Médecine, Strasbourg, France.

Abstract

We have studied the effects of dentin proteins, of Transforming Growth Factor beta 1 (TGF beta 1) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP2) on the differentiation of odontoblasts in vitro. The total EDTA-soluble fraction of dentin proteins, prepared from rabbit incisors was further separated by chromatography on DEAE-Cellulose and heparin-agarose columns. While the total EDTA-soluble fraction of dentin had no effect on cultured dental papillae, fractions retained on both columns were able to initiate functional differentiation of preodontoblasts of isolated day-17 first lower mouse molar dental papillae cultured in vitro. TGF beta 1 and BMP2, both stimulated the matrix secretion by dental papillae cells. TGF beta 1 and BMP2, combined with the inactive total EDTA-soluble fraction, stimulated odontoblast differentiation. An active fraction retained on DEAE-Cellulose completely lost the inductive activity after incubation with a neutralizing anti-TGF beta antibody. These results demonstrate that a TGF beta-like molecule present in dentin could interact with some component which acts as a modulator of its activity on the initiation of the cytological and functional differentiation of odontoblasts.