The change of HERS cell number and gene expression profile by occlusion during root development in rat molars

Occlusion is commenced by contact of a tooth with an opposing tooth and is the mechanical force working against the periodontal ligament (PDL). Our recent study indicated that occlusion regulated tooth-root elongation occurs during root development in rat molars. Using a non-occlusal model established to directly examine the effects of the absence of occlusion in developing first molars of upper jaw, histological analysis was performed to count the number of HERS cells, with Microarray used to analyse gene expression profiles. HERS cell numbers in normal molars decreased significantly more than those in experimental molars. In microarray data, a total of 59 genes showed significant differences (fold change > 2.0). Expressions of 55 genes in the experimental molars, which included PLAP-1/asporin and periostin, were significantly decreased than those in normal molars. These data indicate that occlusion during root development leads to a decrease in the number of HERS cells, and that the aforementioned genes may play an essential role in normal root formation.