Inherent Gene Expression and Protein Profile Differences Between Alveolar and Basal Bone

Abstract

The mandible is composed to two bone types: alveolar and basal. Previous studies on the mandible have shown that the alveolar bone resorbs more than the basal bone after tooth extraction or as a result of tooth movement. Reasons for why the resorption rates are different is not well understood. This research begins exploring the differences of the alveolar and basal bone by using comparison characteristics such as bone mineral density (BMD), gene expression, protein profiles, and number of osteocytes. The research investigates these characteristics by using Real time RCR to study the differences in gene expression and protein profiles of the alveolar and basal bone. Micro-CT was used in comparing density and bone architecture characteristics of the alveolar and basal bone. Immunohistochemistry was used to better understand how osteocytes are different between the two bone types in hopes of later being able to understand the differences in resorption rates. The real time PCR showed that four genes are expressed significantly higher in basal bone than alveolar bone: SOST, E-11, DMP-1, MEPE. Three of which are associated with mature osteocytes indicating that basal bone has more mature osteocyte phenotypes. Micro-CT data indicated that the basal bone is denser and less porous than alveolar bone. There was no significant difference in immunohistochemistry and further quantitative testing is needed to draw and significant correlation.