Elucidation on Predominant Pathways Involved in the Differentiation and Mineralization of Odontoblast-Like Cells by Selective Blockade of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases

Figure 1

Effects of blockade of p38, JNK, or ERK activation on mineralizing nodules formation. Cells were cultured in control medium (β-GP and AA) or mineralization medium (β-GP, AA, and Dex) or mineralization medium supplemented with SB202190, SP600125, or PD98059. Alizarin red staining was performed on day eight as described under Materials and Methods Section 2.2. Addition of Dex significantly accelerated mineralization, as staining was hardly observable in control containing only β-GP and AA (a). SB202190 inhibits mineralization in a concentration-dependent manner ((a) and (b)). SP600125 slightly attenuates the mineralization at the concentration of 20 μM. PD98059 (1 μM) marginally decreased the mineralization, while PD98059 in the other concentration groups did not impact it (; ; differences were given out as compared to Dex group).

(a)

(b)