Expression of EGFR in human periodontal ligament cells during mineralization

Objectives: To investigate the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) during the mineralization of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLC) in vitro. Methods: Specific antibodies to immunolocalized EGFR in the mineral differentiating hPDLC were undertaken to investigate the different expression during the inducing process. In situ hybridization and RT-PCR technique were used to investigate the transcripts encoding the protein of EGFR. Results: The results showed that immunocytochemical labeling gradually decreased following the prolongation of the induced time, down to nearly negative at the 4th week and the signal of EGFR transcripts was weaker in the induced hPDLC than that in noninduced. Conclusions: EGFR has a negnative regulation function during the mineralization of hPDLC.