Role of transient receptor potential channel 6 in the osteogenesis of periodontal ligament cells.

• TRPC6 played a significant role in osteoblastic differentiation of PDLCs. • TRPC6 had notable osteogenic induction properties and is important for bone defect repair. • The results suggested that TRPC6 may be a promising therapeutic target in osteogenesis. Transient receptor potential channel 6 (TRPC6) is a receptor-operated Ca2+ channel that plays an important role in Ca2+ influx in the majority of non–excitable cells and influences calcium signalling and cellular responses. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to gain insight into the role of TRPC6 in the osteogenesis of periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs). By western blot and immunohistochemical staining, the protein level of TRPC6 was found to be increased in a time-dependent manner during osteoblastic differentiation of PDLCs. In addition, the TRPC6 inhibitor SKF96365 was used to block the function of TRPC6 and inhibit osteoblastic differentiation of PDLCs. The TRPC6 activator hyperforin dicyclohexylammonium salt (hyperforin DCHA) was used to activate TRPC6 and promote osteoblastic differentiation of PDLCs. In vivo, wild-type mice showed better bone regeneration than TRPC6−/− mice, suggesting that TRPC6 has notable osteogenic induction properties and is important for bone defect repair. In conclusion, the current data demonstrated that TRPC6 plays a significant role in osteoblastic differentiation of PDLCs, suggesting that it may be a promising therapeutic target in osteogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]