A role for alpha11beta1 integrin in the human periodontal ligament.

We previously demonstrated a role for alpha11beta1 integrin in periodontal ligament (PDL)-driven tooth eruption in the mouse. To explore a possible role for alpha11beta1 in the human periodontium, we have characterized the expression and function of alpha11 in human PDL tissue, in human PDL fibroblasts (hPDLF), and in human gingival fibroblasts (hGF). alpha11 expression was detected in PDL tissue, in hPDLF, and in hGF cells. Platelet-derived growth factor-BB and insulin-like growth factor II stimulated contraction of collagen lattices by both types of fibroblasts. alpha2 integrin blocking antibodies and the use of alpha11 siRNA demonstrated a role for both alpha2beta1 and alpha11beta1 in collagen lattice remodeling. Analysis of the proximal ITGA11 promoter from persons with chronic periodontal disease failed to reveal any polymorphism. Analysis of our data shows that alpha11beta1 is a major collagen receptor on cultured human PDL cells and implies that it is also functionally important in the PDL in vivo.