Notch pathway deactivation mediated by F-box/WD repeat domain-containing 7 ameliorates hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in rat periodontal ligament stem cells

Abstract Objective To investigate the protective role of F-box/WD repeat domain-containing 7 in rat periodontal ligament stem cells under oxidative stress. Materials and methods The apoptosis of rat periodontal ligament stem cells was induced by exposure to various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide for 24 h, after which cell viability and the cleaved caspase-3 and -9 levels were determined. The levels of proteins in the Notch signaling pathway were determined by western blotting. Results The overexpression of F-box/WD repeat domain-containing 7 increased cell viability following hydrogen peroxide administration and suppressed the activation of caspases-3 and -9. The overexpression of F-box/WD repeat domain-containing 7 inhibited Notch signaling. Furthermore, the protective effect of F-box/WD repeat domain-containing 7 could be resumed by PF-03084014, a Notch-specific inhibitor. Conclusions These observations suggest a protective role of F-box/WD repeat domain-containing 7 against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in rat periodontal ligament stem cells. These findings will facilitate the in vitro culturing of periodontal ligament stem cell for clinical usage and promote stem cell-based therapy for periodontal tissue regeneration.