The Role of Type VI Collagen in Alveolar Bone

Many studies have been conducted to elucidate the role of Type VI collagen in muscle and tendon, however, its role in oral tissues remains unclear. In this study, an alpha 2(VI) deficient mouse (Col6 alpha 2-KO) model was used to examine the role of Type VI collagen in oral tissues. Tissue volume and mineral density were measured in oral tissues by mu CT. Proteome analysis was performed using protein extracted from alveolar bone. In addition, alveolar bone was evaluated with a periodontitis induced model. mu CT analysis showed the Col6 alpha 2-KO mice had less volume of alveolar bone, dentin and dental pulp, while the width of periodontal ligament (PDL) was greater than WT. The mineral density in alveolar bone and dentin were elevated in Col6 alpha 2-KO mice compared with WT. Our proteome analysis showed significant changes in proteins related to ECM organization and elevation of proteins associated with biomineralization in the Col6 alpha 2-KO mice. In induced periodontitis, Col6 alpha 2KO mice had greater alveolar bone loss compared with WT. In conclusion, Type VI collagen has a role in controlling biomineralization in alveolar bone and that changes in the ECM of alveolar bone could be associated with greater bone loss due to periodontitis.

Automated summary

This study examined the role of Type VI collagen in oral tissues using a Col6 alpha 2-KO mouse model. The results showed that Type VI collagen has a regulatory role in biomineralization in alveolar bone and changes in the ECM of alveolar bone could be associated with greater bone loss due to periodontitis.