Overexpression of CGRP promotes osteogenesis of periodontal ligament cells by regulation of YAP signaling

Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) are considered as an ideal cell type for periodontal tissue engineering as hPDLCs own mesenchymal stem cell-like properties. Additionally, it is suggested that -calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. However, the specific role of CGRP on the regulation of alveolar bone regeneration which is essential for treatment of periodontitis remains unclear. In this study, lentiviral CGRP expression vector was first transfected into hPDLCs. CGRP expression and the osteogenesis-related gene (ALP, RUNX2, OCN, and BSP) expressions were detected. The results showed that expressions of osteogenic phenotypes were upregulated in CGRP-transfected hPDLCs combined with an increased expression ofYes-associated protein (YAP), which is the key downstream effectors of Hippo pathway. Our observations suggest that CGRP-mediated hPDLCs' osteogenesis might relate with the activity of YAP signaling. These observations may reflect intrinsic functions of CGRP in hPDLCs' osteogenesis and its promising role in the treatment of bone deficiency in periodontal regeneration.