The role of sclerostin and dickkopf-1 in oral tissues – A review from the perspective of the dental disciplines

Abstract

Wnt signaling is of high relevance in the development, homeostasis, and regeneration of oral tissues. Therefore, Wnt signaling is considered to be a potential target for therapeutic strategies. The action of Wnt is tightly controlled by the inhibitors sclerostin (SOST) and Dickkopf (DKK)-1. Given the impact of SOST and DKK-1 in hard tissue formation, related diseases and healing, it is of high relevance to understand their role in oral tissues. The clinical relevance of this knowledge is further underlined by systemic and local approaches which are currently in development for treating a variety of diseases such as osteoporosis and inflammatory hard tissue resorption. In this narrative review, we summarize the current knowledge and understanding on the Wnt signaling inhibitors SOST and DKK-1, and their role in physiology, pathology, and regeneration in oral tissues. We present this role from the perspective of the different specialties in dentistry, including endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery.

The impact of vitamin D on clinical parameters and bone turnover biomarkers in ligature-induced periodontitis: An experimental study in rats

“…Elevated levels of DKK1 have been observed in the gingival tissues and serum of patients with periodontitis. It has been proposed that DKK1 contributes to the destruction of periodontal tissues by inhibiting the Wnt signalling pathway and promoting osteoclastogenesis ( Samiei et al, 2019 ). Increased levels of DKK1 have been associated with greater severity of periodontitis and enhanced bone loss.…”

Orthodontic retention: what's on the horizon?

“…We will briefly examine two which we believe have considerable promise: schlerostin 3 and regulatory extracellular vesicles (EVs). 4 The osteocyte protein sclerostin 5,6,7 is vital in bone remodelling and starts a process that inhibits the osteoblastic lineage from forming As our understanding of biological factors affecting relapse improves, we may be able to harness this knowledge to improve stability after orthodontic treatment.…”

Changes in Dickkopf-1, but Not Sclerostin, in Gingival Crevicular Fluid Are Associated with Peroral Statin Treatment in Patients with Periodontitis

“…The Wnt signaling pathway [ 13 , 14 ] as well as its inhibition [ 15 ] during various stages of odontogenesis have been shown to dysregulate proliferation, differentiation, and epithelial–mesenchymal interaction in tooth root formation and early development of the teeth [ 12 , 16 , 17 ].…”

“…The glycoprotein SOST, produced by osteocytes [ 18 ], binds to LRP-5, suppresses osteoblastogenesis, and blocks the Wnt pathway and signals of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) [ 9 ]. Moreover, targeting sclerostin in the periodontal mineralizing ligament can stimulate periodontal tissue regeneration [ 14 ]. DKK-1 with anti-anabolic effect is associated with bone resorption, however, with processes of mucosal soft tissue healing, as well [ 14 ] showing the need for further elucidation.…”

“…Moreover, targeting sclerostin in the periodontal mineralizing ligament can stimulate periodontal tissue regeneration [ 14 ]. DKK-1 with anti-anabolic effect is associated with bone resorption, however, with processes of mucosal soft tissue healing, as well [ 14 ] showing the need for further elucidation. Both DKK-1 and SOST have been shown to be up-regulated in chronic periodontal patients [ 10 , 19 , 20 ].…”