Li-an Wu, DDS, PhD, Ling-ying Wen, DDS, Fu-sheng Yang, DDS, Yong Liu, DDS, and Xiao-jing Wang, DDS, PhD
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, College of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, P. R. China
Purpose: To detect and verify USF1 mRNA expression in odontoblasts.
Materials and Methods: T-USF1 clone prepared previously was used as template and the desired USF1 cDNA segment was amplified by PCR with specific primers. The segment was labeled with digoxin as a probe and in situ hybridization was performed on the mounting of odontoblasts.
Results: Evidently positive staining was shown in the cytoplasm of odontoblasts.
Conclusion: We verified the expression of USF1 mRNA in odontoblasts for the first time and provided evidence for further research. (Int Chin J Dent 2004; 4: 15-18.)
Clinical Significance: The results indicate that USF1 might be involved in the maturation of odontoblasts and the process of dentin formation.
Key Words: in-situ hybridization, odontoblast, mRNA, PCR, USF1.