As zero-dimension
nanoparticles, graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs)
have broad potential for regulating cell proliferation and differentiation.
However, such regulation of dental pulp cells (DPSCs) with different
concentrations of GOQDs is insufficiently investigated, especially
on the molecular mechanism. The purpose of this study was to explore
the effect and molecular mechanism of GOQDs on the odontoblastic differentiation
of DPSCs and to provide a theoretical basis for the repair of pulp
vitality by pulp capping. CCK-8, immunofluorescence staining, alkaline
phosphatase activity assay and staining, alizarin red staining, qRT-PCR,
and western blotting were used to detect the proliferation and odontoblastic
differentiation of DPSC coculturing with different concentrations
of GOQDs. The results indicate that the cellular uptake of low concentration
of GOQDs (0.1, 1, and 10 μg/mL) could promote the proliferation
and odontoblastic differentiation of DPCSs. Compared with other concentration
groups, 1 μg/mL GOQDs show better ability in such promotion.
In addition, with the activation of the AMPK signaling pathway, the
mTOR signaling pathway was inhibited in DPSCs after coculturing with
GOQDs, which indicates that low concentrations of GOQDs could regulate
the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs by the AMPK/mTOR signaling
pathway.
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