Sclerostin is a promising therapeutic target for oral inflammation and regenerative dentistry

Abstract

Sclerostin is the protein product of the SOST gene and is known for its inhibitory effects on bone formation. The monoclonal antibody against sclerostin has been approved as a novel treatment method for osteoporosis. Oral health is one of the essential aspects of general human health. Hereditary bone dysplasia syndrome caused by sclerostin deficiency is often accompanied by some dental malformations, inspiring the therapeutic exploration of sclerostin in the oral and dental fields. Recent studies have found that sclerostin is expressed in several functional cell types in oral tissues, and the expression level of sclerostin is altered in pathological conditions. Sclerostin not only exerts similar negative outcomes on the formation of alveolar bone and bone-like tissues, including dentin and cementum, but also participates in the development of oral inflammatory diseases such as periodontitis, pulpitis, and peri-implantitis. This review aims to highlight related research progress of sclerostin in oral cavity, propose necessary further research in this field, and discuss its potential as a therapeutic target for dental indications and regenerative dentistry.

Acellular Extrinsic Fiber Cementum Is Invariably Present in the Superficial Layer of Apical Cementum in Mouse Molar

“…β-catenin-positive cells were distributed near the apex in the apical region, and no association with the surface of the bone or cementum was observed. The distribution of sclerostin, a negative mediator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, was also analyzed 21 (Fig. 5B).…”

“…33 Thus, the age-related increase of sclerostin in cementocytes may contribute to the age-related deterioration of periodontal tissue by negatively regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. 21 The rapid growth of cellular cementum in rodent molars is advantageous for the analysis of cementum properties and changes. 7 However, interspecies variations in cementum apposition patterns hinder a comprehensive understanding of this tissue.…”

“…33 Thus, the age-related increase of sclerostin in cementocytes may contribute to the age-related deterioration of periodontal tissue by negatively regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. 21…”

Editorial: Crosstalk between bone and other cells

“…Another original article by Kurgan et al demonstrated the effects of treadmill exercise on serum sclerostin levels in male mice. Sclerostin has been recognized as a secretory glycoprotein that strongly negates bone formation ( Delgado-Calle et al, 2017 ; Liao et al, 2022 ), especially during mechanical unloading ( Lin et al, 2009 ). It is predominantly expressed by osteocytes in order to suppress osteogenesis by regulating proliferation, differentiation, mineralization and apoptosis of osteoblasts ( Winkler et al, 2003 ; van Bezooijen et al, 2004 ; Liao et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Sclerostin has been recognized as a secretory glycoprotein that strongly negates bone formation ( Delgado-Calle et al, 2017 ; Liao et al, 2022 ), especially during mechanical unloading ( Lin et al, 2009 ). It is predominantly expressed by osteocytes in order to suppress osteogenesis by regulating proliferation, differentiation, mineralization and apoptosis of osteoblasts ( Winkler et al, 2003 ; van Bezooijen et al, 2004 ; Liao et al, 2022 ). Sclerostin is also expressed in some other tissues, e.g., cartilage, heart, kidney, and liver as well ( Brunkow et al, 2001 ; Weivoda et al, 2017 ).…”