TGF-β induces periodontal ligament stem cell senescence through increase of ROS production

Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are vital for the regeneration of periodontal tissue. Transforming growth factor (TGF) β1, a potent stimulator of tissue regeneration, is extensive and abundant in the bone matrix. However, the effect of TGF-β1 in periodontal differentiation remains to be elucidated. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of TGF-β1 on human PDLSCs. PDLSCs were isolated using CD146 microbeads, and characterized by flow cytometry. The present study demonstrated that treatment with TGF-β1 induced PDLSC senescence, characterized by increases in senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity and elevation of both p16 and p21 expression. Furthermore, TGF-β1 treatment demonstrated the capacity to induce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Of note, addition of a ROS scavenger successfully rescued the TGF-β1-induced PDLSC senescence. Thus, the present results indicated that TGF-β1 may serve a vital role in PDLSC senescence, and thus represent a potential target involved in the fabrication and formation of hard tissue for clinical treatment.