Facilitation of Reparative Dentin Using a Drug Repositioning Approach With 4-Phenylbutric Acid

Facilitation of Reparative Dentin Using a Drug Repositioning Approach With 4-Phenylbutric Acid | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Facilitation of Reparative Dentin Using a Drug Repositioning Approach With 4-Phenylbutric Acid Eui-Seon Lee, Yam Aryal, Tae-Young Kim, Ji-Youn Kim, Hitoshi Yamamoto, and 7 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-119295/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract For hard tissue formation, cellular mechanisms, involved in protein folding, processing, and secretion play important roles in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In pathological and regeneration conditions, ER stress hinders proper formation and secretion of proteins, and tissue regeneration by unfolded protein synthesis. 4-Phenylbutyric acid (4PBA) is a chemical chaperone that alleviates ER stress through modulation in proteins folding and protein trafficking. However, previous studies about 4PBA only focused on the metabolic diseases rather than on hard tissue formation and regeneration. Herein, we evaluated the function of 4PBA in dentin regeneration using an exposed pulp animal model system via a local delivery method as a drug repositioning strategy. Altered morphological changes and cellular physiology were examined with histology and immunohistochemistry. The 4PBA treatment modulated the inflammation reaction and resolved ER stress in the early stage of pulp exposure. In addition, 4PBA treatment activated blood vessel formation and TGF-𝛽1 expression in the dentin-pulp complex. Micro-computed tomography and histological examinations confirmed the facilitated formation of the dentin bridge in the 4PBA-treated specimens. These results suggest that proper modulation of ER stress would be an important factor for secretion and patterned formation in dentin regeneration. General Biochemistry drug repositioning cavity preparation chemical chaperone dentin-pulp complex reparative dentin formation Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Introduction The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) functions as a site for protein folding, lipid biosynthesis, and calcium homeostasis 1 . Numerous proteins, either destined for cell-surface or for secretion, undergo process of synthesis and modification such as folding and assembly 2 . Trafficking and translocation of proteins in the ER would cause loads of stress to the ER regulation due to the large number of proteins that need to be executed 3 . However, several molecular chaperones, such as multi-domain families of proteins, are located at the lumen of the ER, which help in achieving correct protein folding and assembly 4 . The process of balancing between the load of protein synthesis and its protein folding ability is referred to as ER homeostasis. When there is a disruption in ER homeostasis 5 , ER stress can be triggered which is caused by the presence of mis-folded and unfolded proteins 6 . For those mis-folded proteins remain in the ER whether to be completed or to be degraded 7 . When there is a disruption of these processes, ER stress can be triggered, the overloaded status of ER which is provoked by presence of mis-folded and unfolded proteins and in response to ER stress, the unfolded protein response (UPR) activates 8,9 . The unfolded protein response (UPR) activates in response to ER stress when ER capacity for protein folding is deficient. UPR activation alleviates ER stress by increasing ER abundance, decreasing synthesis of proteins, and augmenting the ER chaperone protein synthesis to sustain homeostatic balance; however, when ER stress could not be restored by UPR, apoptosis takes place 10,11 . Dentin is typically classified into formation stages, namely, primary, secondary, and tertiary. During odontogenesis, primary dentin is formed by odontoblasts until the tooth becomes functional. Secondary dentin is formed after root completion and continues lifelong . Particularly, in the pathological condition, odontoblasts form a specific dentin—the tertiary dentin. Tertiary dentin, whether reactionary or reparative, is formed in response to an external stimulus, caries, or abrasion. Reactionary dentin is formed from pre-existing odontoblast, and reparative dentin, which is elaborated by odontoblast‐like cells that form after the death of the original odontoblasts 12,13 . Proper regeneration of dentin still remains as an unmet solved problems in dental fields. Tissue regeneration requires high fidelity of restoration of structure including vesicle secretion for tissue function 14,15 . Odontoblasts and pulp cells react against the damage through reinitiating differentiation of odontoblasts from stem cells and progenitor cells in dental pulp resulting secretion of the reparative dentin matrix for normal physiologic function of tooth 14,15 . During dentin formation, ER stress regulation plays a significant role especially in the secretory stage 16 . Several previous reports suggested that ER stress would affects formation of dentin. When ER stress regulator gene, Tmbim6 was knocked out, the dentin and enamel structures were disturbed by altering odontoblast and enamel differentiation 17 . Mutated dentin forming genes of which could cause Dentinogenesis Imperfecta and dentin dysplasia may cause a high level of ER stress 18–20 . Odontoblasts and pulp cells react against the damage by reinitiating differentiation of the odontoblasts from stem cells and progenitor cells in the dental pulp resulting in the secretion of the reparative dentin matrix for normal physiologic function of the tooth 19 . 4-Phenylbutyric acid (4PBA) is an FDA-approved drug intended to treat congenital diseases in the urea cycle 21 . However, 4PBA is a known chemical chaperone that functions as an ER stress antagonist 22 ; a low-molecular weight compound which stabilizes protein conformations, enhancing the protein folding ability of ER and protein trafficking to alleviate ER stress 23 . A number of previous studies have also proved the therapeutic effects of 4PBA in proteostasis. Mainly, 4PBA facilitates metabolic syndrome and metabolism such as obesity and diabetes 24–26 . The chemical chaperone 4PBA is also known to alleviate ER stress-mediated cell death and genetic disorders caused by protein mis-folding 27,28 and protein mis-folding genetic disorders 27,29 . Furthermore, various effects of 4PBA in inflammatory disorders 26,30 , neurological diseases, and cancers are well known. Pulp cavity preparation is the most well-known method of dentin-pulp restoration. In this procedure, the tooth itself receives stress even in protein modulation and secretion of ER. This study hypothesizes that 4PBA, not applied in dental treatment yet, is involved in the modification and secretion of protein matrix for dentin formation by attenuating ER stress when added to the process of pulp cavity preparation. Results Altered histological structures including odontoblast localization Histological changes in the pulp and dentin of the upper molar were evaluated using H&E and Masson’s trichrome staining (Fig. 1 A 1– B 4). After 3 and 5 days of operation, 4PBA-treated specimens showed more obvious blood vessel formation in the pulp (Fig. 1 A 2, A 4, B 2, and B 4 arrow heads), and adjacent to the dentin wall, more number of nucleus in the cells developed heterochromatin staining patterns (Fig. 1 A 2, A 4, B 2, and B 4). In addition, beneath the exposed pulp area, increased cell number which showed plasma-like structure was detected (Fig. 1 B 2’ and B 4’). According to the histological changes between the 4PBA and DMSO groups, an immunolocalization pattern for NESTIN was performed at 3 and 5 days after cavity preparation (Fig. 1 C 1– C 4). After 3 days, NESTIN, an indicator of active odontoblasts, is more strongly localized in cells along the dentin wall in the 4PBA-treated group (Fig. 1 C 2 and C 2’) than it did in the DMSO group after 3 days (Fig. 1 C 1 and C 1’). Similarly, after 5 days from 4PBA treatment, the localization of NESTIN showed stronger positive reactions in active odontoblasts than those of control (Fig. 1 C 3 and C 4). Altered localization patterns of ER stress, inflammation, and TGF- 𝛽 1 proteins To examine the direct effect of 4PBA, we employed immunostaining against GRP78 and HRD1 (Fig. 2 A 1– A 4 and B 1– B 4). The localization pattern of GRP78, a key indicator for induction of ER stress, was examined (Fig. 2 A 1– A 4). In the 4PBA-treated group, there was a decrease in localization level in both groups after 3- and 5-day compared to controls (Fig. 2 A 1, A 2, A 3, and A 4). In addition, we have examined the localization pattern of HRD1, a marker of ER protein quality control by ER-associated degradation of mis-folded proteins (Fig. 2 B 1– B 4). DMSO group, after 3 days, showed broad cytoplasmic localization pattern of HRD1 at the entire pulp area (Fig. 2 B 1- B 1’’). Whereas nucleic localization pattern of HRD1 was examined in the damaged upper pulp cavity of the 4PBA-treated group after 3 days (Fig. 2 B 2- B 2’’). After 5 days, the entire region of the pulp cavity in both the DMSO- and 4PBA-treated groups showed the nucleic localization of HRD1 (Fig. 2 B 3- B 3’’ and B 4- B 4’’). Furthermore, we also examined MPO localization to evaluate the modulation pattern of inflammation in the exposed pulp (Fig. 2 C 1– C 4). MPO-positive cells were mainly apparent in the 4PBA-treated group at 3-day specimens (Fig. 2 C 2’). The 4PBA-treated group after 3 days showed mild positive reaction against MPO and control group showed slight stronger positive reactions of MPO (Fig. 2 C 1, C 2). Similary, at 5 days after drug treatment, the DMSO group (Fig. 2 C 3’) showed stronger localization of MPO than that of the 4PBA group (Fig. 2 C 4’). In addition, localization of TGF-𝛽1, known as an important regulator of various cellular events including proliferation, differentiation, and reparative dentinogenesis, was also carefully examined (Fig. 2 D 1– D 4). After 3 days, the 4PBA-treated group showed less positive reaction against TGF-𝛽1 at the exposed pulp area and dentin wall (Fig. 2 D 2) when compared to controls (Fig. 2 D 1). After 5 days from the treatment, the DMSO- and 4PBA-treated groups showed weak localization patterns of TGF-𝛽1 similarly in the dental pulp (Fig. 2 D 3 and D 4). These localization patterns of TGF-𝛽1 would suggest that 4PBA treatment activates the earlier TGF-𝛽1 expression in the exposed pulp cavity. This histogenesis and the altered localization patterns of proteins from the 4PBA treatment would suggest that 4PBA treatment alters the cellular physiology such as odontoblast activation, blood vessel formation, and inflammatory cell migration in the exposed pulp. Furthermore, the intensities of immunostaining were quantified as none (-), exist (+), strong (++) and strongest (+++) and prepared as supplementary table 1. Micro-CT and dentin bridge evaluations Micro-CT evaluation was performed at 42 days after pulp cavity access preparation with treatment of 100 μM 4PBA (Fig. 3). The coronal and horizontal views of 42 days after cavity preparation showed significant differences in the quality of the regenerated hard tissue (Fig. 3 A 1– A 3) between the DMSO- and 4PBA-treated groups; the hard tissue density of the 4PBA group was much higher than that of the control group (Fig. 3 B 1– B 3). The percentage of hard tissue in the region of interest where marked with asterisks in the control group was 66.6%, whereas in the 4PBA treated group it was 77.4% (Fig. 3). These micro-CT image analyses were confirmed by histological examination (Fig. 4). In the DMSO-treated group, the hard tissue deposition appeared to be incomplete, and some inflammatory cells were still observed below the exposed areas (Fig. 4 A 1 and A 2). In contrast, the 4PBA-treated group showed complete dentin bridge formation of which dentinal tubules are absent and irregularly arranged, similar with a bone-like structure⁠; regenerated hard tissue continues with reparative dentin (Fig. 4 B 1 and B 2). Discussion Formation of dentin is mainly contributed by cellular physiology of odontoblasts. These specific secreting cells are precisely regulated and modulated by ER regulation and vesicle trafficking to form the specifically featured dentin matrices through protein synthesis, folding, trafficking, secretion, and patterned apposition 17,19,20 . Previous studies reported that modulation of ER stress would be an important cellular pathway for differentiation and maintenance of dentin 18,31 . When dentin and pulp are exposed, several cellular reactions would be initiated to regenerate dentin and to protect the pulp cells 32,33 . For example, when carious lesion or influence of the adverse effects of filling materials are affecting exposed pulp, the inflammatory processes are gradually increasing from mild to severe 32 . Until now, most of studies on pulp therapy did only focus on the inflammation controls and some growth factor treatments 34–36 . Because, in clinic, these two tactical approaches showed the somehow qualified results with newly mineralized hard tissue and conserve the vitality of pulp 32,34 . However, these approaches are required to be more developed for overcoming the limitations such as better quality of newly synthesized hard tissue and more biocompatible and prolonged guaranteed pulp condition. In this study, we hypothesized that in the exposed dentin and pulp complex, ER stress would be occurred unavoidably to repair the dentin structure and maintain the vitality of the pulp as examined in other wound sites 17,19,20 . In inflammation condition, a number of studies revealed the vicious circle of escalation of pathological conditions between ER stress and inflammation responses 26,37 . Inflammation disturbs protein folding, leading to the accumulation of unfolded or mis-folded proteins inside the ER which in turn results in UPR 30 . Furthermore, sustained ER stress induces chronic activation of UPR, which would eventually lead to severe inflammation and even cell death 38 . Recently, studies on ER regulation and vesicle trafficking made use of chemical chaperone treatments to subdue a range of incurable diseases 24,26,27 . Similarly, in this study, in order to prevent pathological conditions and promote dentin regeneration after pulp exposure, we examined the function of the chemical chaperone 4PBA, one of the candidate drugs for relieving ER stress, as a drug repositioning approach, in exposed pulp cavity, using a well-established animal model system 33 . Drug repositioning is intended to apply alternative uses for a drug that is developed by another investigator and besides its original medical purpose. It has advantages in financial and time savings for drug development with the lower failure risk and reduced drug investigating time and costs 39–41 . Recent reports elaborated 4PBA has chaperone properties and stabilizes protein conformation in ER which facilitates ER stress and UPR activation 25,42 . We performed local delivery of 4PBA with concentration of 100 μM which was determined in in vitro cell culture condition 43 and it is comparably lower than oral medication for systematic applications 19,26,27,44 . This low concentration of drug local delivery was available in pulp cavity preparation model system and would confirm the merits including harmless, economic and efficient method for treatment. Interestingly, our results showed that local delivery of 4PBA presented the excellent morphological changes with dentin bridge and altered cellular changes in late and early time period of exposed pulp and dentin. Based on results, we proposed that two key factors for successive pulp therapy would be management of ER stress and control of initial inflammatory status of the pulp which influences the quality of newly mineralized hard tissue after treatment As we expected, 4PBA showed the excellent function for resolving ER stress from the exposed pulp (Fig. 2). After precise examinations of localization patterns of ER stress related molecules, GRP78 and HRD1, we suggest that the regulation of inflammation of dental pulp and formation of reparative dentin would be resulted from the proper modulation of ER stress by treatment of 4PBA 45,46 . HRD1 plays a critical role in ER-associated degradation (ERAD) of mis-folded/unfolded proteins as it protects cells from ER stress-induced cell death 24,47,48 . We have observed interesting result after precise examination of localization patterns of HRD1. The differential localization patterns of HRD1 between controls and the 4PBA group is worth noting. The localization pattern of HRD1 in control group showed cytoplasmic positive localization generally at the entire pulp area. In the 4PBA-treated group after 3 days, there was a decrease in the localization compared to controls, and localization pattern was observed only at a limited area of the dentin wall, which was a nucleic localization (Fig. 2 B 1- B 1’’ and B 2- B 2’’). These results coincide with a previous report that found that cytoplasmic localization of HRD1 would take place when secretory cells are impaired 24 . The results support that 4PBA treatment in the exposed dentin alleviates ER stress and ERAD by providing the proper condition of tissue regeneration. 4PBA treatment activated the MPO expression in the dentin-pulp complex after 3 days of cavity preparation (Fig. 2). Furthermore, histological examinations after 4PBA treatment showed less enucleated cells and more blood vessel formation than those of the control group (Fig. 1). Then, after 5 days, 4PBA-treated specimens showed less positive reaction against MPO than the control. This histological observation and the localization pattern of MPO would suggest that 4PBA initiates blood vessel formation for rapid control of inflammation through neutrophil-mediated inflammation modulation after the dentin injuries. Localization patterns of NESTIN and TGF-𝛽1 were carefully examined with histological alterations (Fig. 1 C and Fig. 2D ). At 3 days, both NESTIN and TGF-𝛽1 increased their positive localizations compared to controls. These results confirmed the previous report that elevated levels of NESTIN would stimulate cell proliferation and invasion by stimulating the TGF-𝛽1 signaling pathway 35,49,50 . To examine the morphological changes of reparative dentin formation, we examined the micro-CT 6 weeks after cavity preparation and its histologic images to understand the structural alteration of 4PBA molecular reactions (Fig. 3 and 4). As we observed at early-onset cellular changes, long-term regeneration of reparative dentin in area of exposed pulp with dentin bridge formation (Fig. 4). Our results show that 4PBA treatment in exposed pulp and dentin complex would modulate inflammation controls through blood vessel formation which improves healing capacity and also it promotes the active odontoblasts to produce reparative dentin through TGF beta 1 signaling pathways. We suggest that 4PBA would be a feasible treatment after pulpal cavity preparation to facilitate dentin regeneration, modulating pulp inflammation and alleviating ER stress. However, to reveal the detailed cellular physiology and signaling pathway for controlling inflammation, it is necessary to employ the immunostainings against various proteins including CD31, F4/80, and IL1𝛽 in the near future. We recommend 4PBA as a feasible treatment after pulp capping to facilitate dentin regeneration, modulating pulp inflammation and alleviating ER stress. Overall, we examined the function of the FDA-approved drug, 4PBA in dentin regeneration as a drug repositioning approach. This attempt would be a plausible answer to extend and develop new drugs and techniques in the dental field. For example, as a drug repositioning strategy, many ER stress-related drugs such as melatonin, simvastatin, and TUDCA should be tested in the dental field 25,43,51 . In addition, we suggest examining the synergistic effects of ER stress-relieving molecules in combination with previously established treatment including triple antibiotic paste and Wnt signaling-related small molecules 33,52 . Methods Animals All experiments involving animals were performed in accordance with the guidelines of the Kyungpook National University, School of Dentistry, Intramural Animal Use and Care Committee (KNU-2015-136) as previous study mentioned 33 . For the pulp access cavity preparation, at least 15 adult 8-week-old male ICR mice in each group were euthanized 3, 5, and 42 days after pulp exposure. Histology and immunohistochemistry Histology and immunostaining were performed as described previously 33 . Primary antibodies were directed against NESTIN (1:400; cat.no. ab11306; Abcam), glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78; 1:400; cat.no. ab21685; Abcam), HRD1 (1:400; cat.no. NB100-2526; Novus Biologicals), MPO (1:200; cat.no. bs-4943R; Bioss), and TGF-𝛽1 (1:100; cat.no. ab92486; Abcam), and the secondary antibodies used in the present study were biotinylated goat anti‐rabbit or anti‐mouse immunoglobulin G. Immunocomplexes were visualized using a diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride reagent kit (cat.no. C09–12; GBI Labs). Pulp cavity preparation The animal experiment was performed as previously described 33 . The animals were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injections of Avertin (Sigma-Aldrich, USA). Pulpal cavity was mechanically prepared in pulp chamber of first right molar of 8 wks male mice using a 0.6-mm round burr in a high-speed handpiece with water spray under a dissecting microscopy (S6, Leica). Pluronic F-127 medium containing 100 μM 4PBA or 0.07% DMSO was treated in the pulpal cavity. The left upper molars were used as the untreated controls. After treatment, the exposed teeth were double-sealed with Dy-cal (Dentsply Caulk, Milford, DE) and light-cured composite resin with a bonding system. Micro ‐ CT imaging The samples after 6 weeks were analyzed using micro-CT imaging (Skyscan1272; Bruker, Kontich, Belgium). The specimens were scanned through 360 o at a spatial resolution of 4904ⅹ3280 pixels with a pixel size of 2 mm. The image data were reconstructed and analyzed using Dataviewer and CTAn (Bruker) to quantify the volume of hard tissue formation 33 . Declarations Acknowledgments Supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) NRF-2018R1A2A3075600, NRF-2017R1A5A2015391. Author contributions Eui-Seon Lee contributed to conceptualization, data acquisition, data analysis, interpretation, preparation of the main manuscript test. Yam Prasad Aryal and Tae-Young Kim contributed to analysis and interpretation of data. Jae-Kwang Jung and Jung-Hong Ha contributed to data acquisition and analysis, experimental designing, interpretation of data. Jae-Young Kim contributed to conceptualization and designing of manuscript, data analysis, interpretation and critically revised the manuscript. All authors reviewed the manuscript. Competing interests Authors deny any conflicts of interest related to this study. Ethical approval All experiments involving animals were performed according to the guidelines of the Kyungpook National University, School of Dentistry, Intramural Animal Use and Care Committee (KNU-2015-136). 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-119295","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":5683668,"identity":"ff564671-e96f-4241-98e4-cf415da5d110","order_by":0,"name":"Eui-Seon Lee","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Kyungpook National University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Eui-Seon","middleName":"","lastName":"Lee","suffix":""},{"id":5683669,"identity":"ddd14575-4db6-414c-bef6-e1911cb4eeb7","order_by":1,"name":"Yam Aryal","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Kyungpook National University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Yam","middleName":"","lastName":"Aryal","suffix":""},{"id":5683670,"identity":"d9800877-f3b8-4493-bb67-6c6340df2127","order_by":2,"name":"Tae-Young Kim","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Kyungpook National University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Tae-Young","middleName":"","lastName":"Kim","suffix":""},{"id":5683671,"identity":"be997cb9-5a2a-4750-9872-b3aaa83c12b0","order_by":3,"name":"Ji-Youn Kim","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Gachon University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Ji-Youn","middleName":"","lastName":"Kim","suffix":""},{"id":5683672,"identity":"45b6f963-d4fa-44b8-8b89-4edc7ca1137c","order_by":4,"name":"Hitoshi Yamamoto","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Tokyo Dental College","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Hitoshi","middleName":"","lastName":"Yamamoto","suffix":""},{"id":5683673,"identity":"514f6480-5221-4c5c-bc8d-e28a8b5095f3","order_by":5,"name":"Chang-Hyeon An","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Kyungpook National University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Chang-Hyeon","middleName":"","lastName":"An","suffix":""},{"id":5683674,"identity":"6d9243c5-1bdd-4cd7-98b0-4f225f9b1ef9","order_by":6,"name":"Seo-Young An","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Kyungpook National University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Seo-Young","middleName":"","lastName":"An","suffix":""},{"id":5683675,"identity":"39fe9a74-57cf-4f25-9c0e-bc578f5ffbc2","order_by":7,"name":"Youngkyun Lee","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Kyungpook National University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Youngkyun","middleName":"","lastName":"Lee","suffix":""},{"id":5683676,"identity":"ce492dbf-bece-41e4-974f-8cd664dd9700","order_by":8,"name":"Wern-Joo Sohn","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Daegu Haany University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Wern-Joo","middleName":"","lastName":"Sohn","suffix":""},{"id":5683677,"identity":"d0b40451-6426-4b0a-a19f-7816f169060d","order_by":9,"name":"Jae-Kwang Jung","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Kyungpook National University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Jae-Kwang","middleName":"","lastName":"Jung","suffix":""},{"id":5683678,"identity":"d3a51ece-2224-4a06-aeb6-f001c4b01bde","order_by":10,"name":"Jung-Hong Ha","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Kyungpook National University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Jung-Hong","middleName":"","lastName":"Ha","suffix":""},{"id":5683679,"identity":"ac14f326-f34c-413a-8009-6200f5af0ed8","order_by":11,"name":"Jae-Young Kim","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAz0lEQVRIiWNgGAWjYBACxgY2hgMMFRJyElABAyK1nLEwJl4LAwMbUF9bReIMorUwz0hLPHSzTSJ95uweA4YfNQzG5g2EHDYj7cDhnHMSubNlzhgw9hxjMJM5QFBLesPhnDKJ3HkSOQYMvA0MNhIEdEC1sEmkywG1MP4lTgvIYW0SCdJALcxAW8wIa+l5lnA454yE4cwZaQWHZY5JGBPUYtieZvw5p6JOXuJG8saHb2psDGcQ1DIhAcE5wMBA0A4GBnn+A4QVjYJRMApGwQgHAKOkPU05ntdAAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","orcid":"","institution":"Kyungpook National University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Jae-Young","middleName":"","lastName":"Kim","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2020-12-01 06:59:03","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-119295/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-119295/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":4073034,"identity":"8cc51f83-4c03-4fce-ac47-6a0c840e7162","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2020-12-07 17:02:38","extension":"jpg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1928068,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"Histological examination using H\u0026E and MTC and immunostaining of NESTIN after pulp access preparation. Arrow heads indicate blood vessels. Scale bars: A1–B4, C1–C4 = 200 μm; B1’–B4’, C1’–C4’ = 50 μm.","description":"","filename":"Figure1.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-119295/v1/a479748f207d3a0152a30731.jpg"},{"id":4073036,"identity":"ba2023db-444d-405e-93d0-0f82d6d01173","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2020-12-07 17:02:38","extension":"jpg","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":2271273,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"Immunohistochemistry staining with GRP78, HRD1, MPO, and TGF-𝛽1 after 3 days and 5 days pulp access preparation. Arrow heads indicates nucleic localization patterns of HRD1 immunostaining. Scale bars: A1–A4, B1–B4, C1–C4 = 200 μm; A1’–A4, B1’–B4’, C1’–C4’ = 50 μm; B1’’-B4’’ = 20 μm.","description":"","filename":"Figure2.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-119295/v1/f5cfca316cbcf928d998ebc2.jpg"},{"id":4073037,"identity":"3b679ef4-3456-4367-8c71-61c9b2c2bb43","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2020-12-07 17:02:38","extension":"jpg","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":267552,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"Micro-CT and histology of 0.07% DMSO (A1–A5) and 100 μM 4PBA (B1–B5) at 42 days after pulp cavity access preparation. The 4PBA applied cavity preparation tooth shows more deposition of dentin compared to DMSO control tooth. Arrow heads indicate the region of interest.","description":"","filename":"Figure3.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-119295/v1/109ba3d6aca9a77e4b9806be.jpg"},{"id":4073038,"identity":"1229dcf5-a48e-4d36-bc73-d803cab633b1","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2020-12-07 17:02:39","extension":"jpg","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":720271,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"Histological structure using H\u0026E staining and Masson’s trichrome staining of reparative dentin formation 42 days after 4PBA treatment. The exposed dentin was not completely restored with hard tissues in the DMSO-treated groups (Fig. 4 A1 and A2). The reparative dentin formation of the 4PBA-treated tooth was completely restored with bone-like structures, dentin bridge (Fig. 4 B1 and B2). Arrow heads indicate regions of interest and dotted lines refer formation of dentin bridge. Scale bars = 50 μm.","description":"","filename":"Figure4.jpg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-119295/v1/8c536faeff03a36b3edf7c15.jpg"},{"id":13624177,"identity":"da1adb20-dd83-4b59-bf80-20cad4df769f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2021-09-17 07:21:31","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1176694,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-119295/v1/d8611fdb-468c-43ef-a63a-dd8189059c88.pdf"},{"id":4073035,"identity":"1676e96c-cd1c-449b-9159-b1d99695c086","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2020-12-07 17:02:38","extension":"docx","order_by":1,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":17648,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"Supplementary.docx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-119295/v1/bf0dc7c242d16550235b43c7.docx"}],"financialInterests":"","formattedTitle":"\u003cp\u003eFacilitation of Reparative Dentin Using a Drug Repositioning Approach With 4-Phenylbutric Acid\u003c/p\u003e","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe endoplasmic reticulum (ER) functions as a site for protein folding, lipid biosynthesis, and calcium homeostasis \u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e. Numerous proteins, either destined for cell-surface or for secretion, undergo process of synthesis and modification such as folding and assembly \u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e. Trafficking and translocation of proteins in the ER would cause loads of stress to the ER regulation due to the large number of proteins that need to be executed \u003csup\u003e3\u003c/sup\u003e. However, several molecular chaperones, such as multi-domain families of proteins, are located at the lumen of the ER, which help in achieving correct protein folding and assembly \u003csup\u003e4\u003c/sup\u003e. The process of balancing between the load of protein synthesis and its protein folding ability is referred to as ER homeostasis. When there is a disruption in ER homeostasis \u003csup\u003e5\u003c/sup\u003e, ER stress can be triggered which is caused by the presence of mis-folded and unfolded proteins \u003csup\u003e6\u003c/sup\u003e. For those mis-folded proteins remain in the ER whether to be completed or to be degraded \u003csup\u003e7\u003c/sup\u003e. When there is a disruption of these processes, ER stress can be triggered, the overloaded status of ER which is provoked by presence of mis-folded and unfolded proteins and in response to ER stress, the unfolded protein response (UPR) activates \u003csup\u003e8,9\u003c/sup\u003e. The unfolded protein response (UPR) activates in response to ER stress when ER capacity for protein folding is deficient. UPR activation alleviates ER stress by increasing ER abundance, decreasing synthesis of proteins, and augmenting the ER chaperone protein synthesis to sustain homeostatic balance; however, when ER stress could not be restored by UPR, apoptosis takes place \u003csup\u003e10,11\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDentin is typically classified into formation stages, namely, primary, secondary, and tertiary. During odontogenesis, primary dentin is formed by odontoblasts until the tooth becomes functional. Secondary dentin is formed after root completion and continues lifelong . Particularly, in the pathological condition, odontoblasts form a specific dentin\u0026mdash;the tertiary dentin. Tertiary dentin, whether reactionary or reparative, is formed in response to an external stimulus, caries, or abrasion. Reactionary dentin is formed from pre-existing odontoblast, and reparative dentin, which is elaborated by odontoblast‐like cells that form after the death of the original odontoblasts \u003csup\u003e12,13\u003c/sup\u003e. Proper regeneration of dentin still remains as an unmet solved problems in dental fields. Tissue regeneration requires high fidelity of restoration of structure including vesicle secretion for tissue function \u003csup\u003e14,15\u003c/sup\u003e. Odontoblasts and pulp cells react against the damage through reinitiating differentiation of odontoblasts from stem cells and progenitor cells in dental pulp resulting secretion of the reparative dentin matrix for normal physiologic function of tooth \u003csup\u003e14,15\u003c/sup\u003e. During dentin formation, ER stress regulation plays a significant role especially in the secretory stage \u003csup\u003e16\u003c/sup\u003e. Several previous reports suggested that ER stress would affects formation of dentin. When ER stress regulator gene, Tmbim6 was knocked out, the dentin and enamel structures were disturbed by altering odontoblast and enamel differentiation \u003csup\u003e17\u003c/sup\u003e. Mutated dentin forming genes of which could cause Dentinogenesis Imperfecta and dentin dysplasia may cause a high level of ER stress \u003csup\u003e18\u0026ndash;20\u003c/sup\u003e. Odontoblasts and pulp cells react against the damage by reinitiating differentiation of the odontoblasts from stem cells and progenitor cells in the dental pulp resulting in the secretion of the reparative dentin matrix for normal physiologic function of the tooth \u003csup\u003e19\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4-Phenylbutyric acid (4PBA) is an FDA-approved drug intended to treat congenital diseases in the urea cycle \u003csup\u003e21\u003c/sup\u003e. However, 4PBA is a known chemical chaperone that functions as an ER stress antagonist \u003csup\u003e22\u003c/sup\u003e; a low-molecular weight compound which stabilizes protein conformations, enhancing the protein folding ability of ER and protein trafficking to alleviate ER stress \u003csup\u003e23\u003c/sup\u003e. A number of previous studies have also proved the therapeutic effects of 4PBA in proteostasis. Mainly, 4PBA facilitates metabolic syndrome and metabolism such as obesity and diabetes \u003csup\u003e24\u0026ndash;26\u003c/sup\u003e. The chemical chaperone 4PBA is also known to alleviate ER stress-mediated cell death and genetic disorders caused by protein mis-folding \u003csup\u003e27,28\u003c/sup\u003e and protein mis-folding genetic disorders \u003csup\u003e27,29\u003c/sup\u003e. Furthermore, various effects of 4PBA in inflammatory disorders \u003csup\u003e26,30\u003c/sup\u003e, neurological diseases, and cancers are well known.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePulp cavity preparation is the most well-known method of dentin-pulp restoration. In this procedure, the tooth itself receives stress even in protein modulation and secretion of ER. This study hypothesizes that 4PBA, not applied in dental treatment yet, is involved in the modification and secretion of protein matrix for dentin formation by attenuating ER stress when added to the process of pulp cavity preparation.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAltered histological structures including odontoblast localization\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Histological changes in the pulp and dentin of the upper molar were evaluated using H\u0026amp;E and Masson\u0026rsquo;s trichrome staining (Fig. 1\u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e1\u0026ndash;\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e4). After 3 and 5 days of operation, 4PBA-treated specimens showed more obvious blood vessel formation in the pulp (Fig. 1\u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e2, \u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e4, \u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e2, and \u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e4 arrow heads), and adjacent to the dentin wall, more number of nucleus in the cells developed heterochromatin staining patterns (Fig. 1\u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e2, \u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e4, \u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e2, and \u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e4). In addition, beneath the exposed pulp area, increased cell number which showed plasma-like structure was detected (Fig. 1\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e2\u0026rsquo; and \u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e4\u0026rsquo;). According to the histological changes between the 4PBA and DMSO groups, an immunolocalization pattern for NESTIN was performed at 3 and 5 days after cavity preparation (Fig. 1\u003cem\u003eC\u003c/em\u003e1\u0026ndash;\u003cem\u003eC\u003c/em\u003e4). After 3 days, NESTIN, an indicator of active odontoblasts, is more strongly localized in cells along the dentin wall in the 4PBA-treated group (Fig. 1\u003cem\u003eC\u003c/em\u003e2 and \u003cem\u003eC\u003c/em\u003e2\u0026rsquo;) than it did in the DMSO group after 3 days (Fig. 1\u003cem\u003eC\u003c/em\u003e1 and \u003cem\u003eC\u003c/em\u003e1\u0026rsquo;). Similarly, after 5 days from 4PBA treatment, the localization of NESTIN showed stronger positive reactions in active odontoblasts than those of control (Fig. 1\u003cem\u003eC\u003c/em\u003e3 and \u003cem\u003eC\u003c/em\u003e4).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAltered localization patterns of ER stress, inflammation, and TGF-\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e𝛽\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eproteins\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo examine the direct effect of 4PBA, we employed immunostaining against GRP78 and HRD1 (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e1\u0026ndash;\u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e4 and \u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e1\u0026ndash;\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e4). The localization pattern of GRP78, a key indicator for induction of ER stress, was examined (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e1\u0026ndash;\u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e4). In the 4PBA-treated group, there was a decrease in localization level in both groups after 3- and 5-day compared to controls (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e1, \u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e2, \u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e3, and \u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e4). In addition, we have examined the localization pattern of HRD1, a marker of ER protein quality control by ER-associated degradation of mis-folded proteins (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e1\u0026ndash;\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e4). DMSO group, after 3 days, showed broad cytoplasmic localization pattern of HRD1 at the entire pulp area (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e1-\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e1\u0026rsquo;\u0026rsquo;). Whereas nucleic localization pattern of HRD1 was examined in the damaged upper pulp cavity of the 4PBA-treated group after 3 days (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e2-\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e2\u0026rsquo;\u0026rsquo;). After 5 days, the entire region of the pulp cavity in both the DMSO- and 4PBA-treated groups showed the nucleic localization of HRD1 (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e3-\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e3\u0026rsquo;\u0026rsquo; and \u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e4-\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e4\u0026rsquo;\u0026rsquo;). Furthermore, we also examined MPO localization to evaluate the modulation pattern of inflammation in the exposed pulp (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eC\u003c/em\u003e1\u0026ndash;\u003cem\u003eC\u003c/em\u003e4). MPO-positive cells were mainly apparent in the 4PBA-treated group at 3-day specimens (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eC\u003c/em\u003e2\u0026rsquo;). The 4PBA-treated group after 3 days showed mild positive reaction against MPO and control group showed slight stronger positive reactions of MPO (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eC\u003c/em\u003e1, \u003cem\u003eC\u003c/em\u003e2). Similary, at 5 days after drug treatment, the DMSO group (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eC\u003c/em\u003e3\u0026rsquo;) showed stronger localization of MPO than that of the 4PBA group (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eC\u003c/em\u003e4\u0026rsquo;). In addition, localization of TGF-𝛽1, known as an important regulator of various cellular events including proliferation, differentiation, and reparative dentinogenesis, was also carefully examined (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eD\u003c/em\u003e1\u0026ndash;\u003cem\u003eD\u003c/em\u003e4). After 3 days, the 4PBA-treated group showed less positive reaction against TGF-𝛽1 at the exposed pulp area and dentin wall (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eD\u003c/em\u003e2) when compared to controls (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eD\u003c/em\u003e1). After 5 days from the treatment, the DMSO- and 4PBA-treated groups showed weak localization patterns of TGF-𝛽1 similarly in the dental pulp (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eD\u003c/em\u003e3 and \u003cem\u003eD\u003c/em\u003e4). These localization patterns of TGF-𝛽1 would suggest that 4PBA treatment activates the earlier TGF-𝛽1 expression in the exposed pulp cavity. This histogenesis and the altered localization patterns of proteins from the 4PBA treatment would suggest that 4PBA treatment alters the cellular physiology such as odontoblast activation, blood vessel formation, and inflammatory cell migration in the exposed pulp. Furthermore, the intensities of immunostaining were quantified as none (-), exist (+), strong (++) and strongest (+++) and prepared as supplementary table 1.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicro-CT and dentin bridge evaluations\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMicro-CT evaluation was performed at 42 days after pulp cavity access preparation with treatment of 100 \u0026mu;M 4PBA (Fig. 3). The coronal and horizontal views of 42 days after cavity preparation showed significant differences in the quality of the regenerated hard tissue (Fig. 3\u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e1\u0026ndash;\u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e3) between the DMSO- and 4PBA-treated groups; the hard tissue density of the 4PBA group was much higher than that of the control group (Fig. 3\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e1\u0026ndash;\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e3). The percentage of hard tissue in the region of interest where marked with asterisks in the control group was 66.6%, whereas in the 4PBA treated group it was 77.4% (Fig. 3). These micro-CT image analyses were confirmed by histological examination (Fig. 4). In the DMSO-treated group, the hard tissue deposition appeared to be incomplete, and some inflammatory cells were still observed below the exposed areas (Fig. 4\u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e1 and \u003cem\u003eA\u003c/em\u003e2). In contrast, the 4PBA-treated group showed complete dentin bridge formation of which dentinal tubules are absent and irregularly arranged, similar with a bone-like structure⁠; regenerated hard tissue continues with reparative dentin (Fig. 4\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e1 and \u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e2).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eFormation of dentin is mainly contributed by cellular physiology of odontoblasts. These specific secreting cells are precisely regulated and modulated by ER regulation and vesicle trafficking to form the specifically featured dentin matrices through protein synthesis, folding, trafficking, secretion, and patterned apposition \u003csup\u003e17,19,20\u003c/sup\u003e. Previous studies reported that modulation of ER stress would be an important cellular pathway for differentiation and maintenance of dentin \u003csup\u003e18,31\u003c/sup\u003e. When dentin and pulp are exposed, several cellular reactions would be initiated to regenerate dentin and to protect the pulp cells \u003csup\u003e32,33\u003c/sup\u003e. For example, when carious lesion or influence of the adverse effects of filling materials are affecting exposed pulp, the inflammatory processes are gradually increasing from mild to severe \u003csup\u003e32\u003c/sup\u003e. Until now, most of studies on pulp therapy did only focus on the inflammation controls and some growth factor treatments \u003csup\u003e34\u0026ndash;36\u003c/sup\u003e. Because, in clinic, these two tactical approaches showed the somehow qualified results with newly mineralized hard tissue and conserve the vitality of pulp \u003csup\u003e32,34\u003c/sup\u003e. However, these approaches are required to be more developed for overcoming the limitations such as better quality of newly synthesized hard tissue and more biocompatible and prolonged guaranteed pulp condition.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this study, we hypothesized that in the exposed dentin and pulp complex, ER stress would be occurred unavoidably to repair the dentin structure and maintain the vitality of the pulp as examined in other wound sites \u003csup\u003e17,19,20\u003c/sup\u003e. In inflammation condition, a number of studies revealed the vicious circle of escalation of pathological conditions between ER stress and inflammation responses \u003csup\u003e26,37\u003c/sup\u003e. Inflammation disturbs protein folding, leading to the accumulation of unfolded or mis-folded proteins inside the ER which in turn results in UPR \u003csup\u003e30\u003c/sup\u003e. Furthermore, sustained ER stress induces chronic activation of UPR, which would eventually lead to severe inflammation and even cell death \u003csup\u003e38\u003c/sup\u003e. Recently, studies on ER regulation and vesicle trafficking made use of chemical chaperone treatments to subdue a range of incurable diseases \u003csup\u003e24,26,27\u003c/sup\u003e. Similarly, in this study, in order to prevent pathological conditions and promote dentin regeneration after pulp exposure, we examined the function of the chemical chaperone 4PBA, one of the candidate drugs for relieving ER stress, as a drug repositioning approach, in exposed pulp cavity, using a well-established animal model system \u003csup\u003e33\u003c/sup\u003e. Drug repositioning is intended to apply alternative uses for a drug that is developed by another investigator and besides its original medical purpose. It has advantages in financial and time savings for drug development with the lower failure risk and reduced drug investigating time and costs \u003csup\u003e39\u0026ndash;41\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecent reports elaborated 4PBA has chaperone properties and stabilizes protein conformation in ER which facilitates ER stress and UPR activation \u003csup\u003e25,42\u003c/sup\u003e. We performed local delivery of 4PBA with concentration of 100 \u0026mu;M which was determined in \u003cem\u003ein vitro\u003c/em\u003e cell culture condition \u003csup\u003e43\u003c/sup\u003e and it is comparably lower than oral medication for systematic applications \u003csup\u003e19,26,27,44\u003c/sup\u003e. This low concentration of drug local delivery was available in pulp cavity preparation model system and would confirm the merits including harmless, economic and efficient method for treatment. Interestingly, our results showed that local delivery of 4PBA presented the excellent morphological changes with dentin bridge and altered cellular changes in late and early time period of exposed pulp and dentin. Based on results, we proposed that two key factors for successive pulp therapy would be management of ER stress and control of initial inflammatory status of the pulp which influences the quality of newly mineralized hard tissue after treatment\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we expected, 4PBA showed the excellent function for resolving ER stress from the exposed pulp (Fig. 2). After precise examinations of localization patterns of ER stress related molecules, GRP78 and HRD1, we suggest that the regulation of inflammation of dental pulp and formation of reparative dentin would be resulted from the proper modulation of ER stress by treatment of 4PBA \u003csup\u003e45,46\u003c/sup\u003e. HRD1 plays a critical role in ER-associated degradation (ERAD) of mis-folded/unfolded proteins as it protects cells from ER stress-induced cell death \u003csup\u003e24,47,48\u003c/sup\u003e. We have observed interesting result after precise examination of localization patterns of HRD1. The differential localization patterns of HRD1 between controls and the 4PBA group is worth noting. The localization pattern of HRD1 in control group showed cytoplasmic positive localization generally at the entire pulp area. In the 4PBA-treated group after 3 days, there was a decrease in the localization compared to controls, and localization pattern was observed only at a limited area of the dentin wall, which was a nucleic localization (Fig. 2\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e1-\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e1\u0026rsquo;\u0026rsquo; and \u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e2-\u003cem\u003eB\u003c/em\u003e2\u0026rsquo;\u0026rsquo;). These results coincide with a previous report that found that cytoplasmic localization of HRD1 would take place when secretory cells are impaired \u003csup\u003e24\u003c/sup\u003e. The results support that 4PBA treatment in the exposed dentin alleviates ER stress and ERAD by providing the proper condition of tissue regeneration.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4PBA treatment activated the MPO expression in the dentin-pulp complex after 3 days of cavity preparation (Fig. 2). Furthermore, histological examinations after 4PBA treatment showed less enucleated cells and more blood vessel formation than those of the control group (Fig. 1). Then, after 5 days, 4PBA-treated specimens showed less positive reaction against MPO than the control. This histological observation and the localization pattern of MPO would suggest that 4PBA initiates blood vessel formation for rapid control of inflammation through neutrophil-mediated inflammation modulation after the dentin injuries. Localization patterns of NESTIN and TGF-𝛽1 were carefully examined with histological alterations (Fig. 1\u003cem\u003eC\u003c/em\u003e and Fig. \u003cem\u003e2D\u003c/em\u003e). At 3 days, both NESTIN and TGF-𝛽1 increased their positive localizations compared to controls. These results confirmed the previous report that elevated levels of NESTIN would stimulate cell proliferation and invasion by stimulating the TGF-𝛽1 signaling pathway \u003csup\u003e35,49,50\u003c/sup\u003e. To examine the morphological changes of reparative dentin formation, we examined the micro-CT 6 weeks after cavity preparation and its histologic images to understand the structural alteration of 4PBA molecular reactions (Fig. 3 and 4). As we observed at early-onset cellular changes, long-term regeneration of reparative dentin in area of exposed pulp with dentin bridge formation (Fig. 4). Our results show that 4PBA treatment in exposed pulp and dentin complex would modulate inflammation controls through blood vessel formation which improves healing capacity and also it promotes the active odontoblasts to produce reparative dentin through TGF beta 1 signaling pathways. We suggest that 4PBA would be a feasible treatment after pulpal cavity preparation to facilitate dentin regeneration, modulating pulp inflammation and alleviating ER stress. However, to reveal the detailed cellular physiology and signaling pathway for controlling inflammation, it is necessary to employ the immunostainings against various proteins including CD31, F4/80, and IL1𝛽 in the near future. We recommend 4PBA as a feasible treatment after pulp capping to facilitate dentin regeneration, modulating pulp inflammation and alleviating ER stress.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall, we examined the function of the FDA-approved drug, 4PBA in dentin regeneration as a drug repositioning approach. This attempt would be a plausible answer to extend and develop new drugs and techniques in the dental field. For example, as a drug repositioning strategy, many ER stress-related drugs such as melatonin, simvastatin, and TUDCA should be tested in the dental field \u003csup\u003e25,43,51\u003c/sup\u003e. In addition, we suggest examining the synergistic effects of ER stress-relieving molecules in combination with previously established treatment including triple antibiotic paste and Wnt signaling-related small molecules \u003csup\u003e33,52\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnimals\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; All experiments involving animals were performed in accordance with the guidelines of the Kyungpook National University, School of Dentistry, Intramural Animal Use and Care Committee (KNU-2015-136) as previous study mentioned \u003csup\u003e33\u003c/sup\u003e. For the pulp access cavity preparation, at least 15 adult 8-week-old male ICR mice in each group were euthanized 3, 5, and 42 days after pulp exposure.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistology and immunohistochemistry\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Histology and immunostaining were performed as described previously \u003csup\u003e33\u003c/sup\u003e. Primary antibodies were directed against NESTIN (1:400; cat.no. ab11306; Abcam), glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78; 1:400; cat.no. ab21685; Abcam), HRD1 (1:400; cat.no. NB100-2526; Novus Biologicals), MPO (1:200; cat.no. bs-4943R; Bioss), and TGF-𝛽1 (1:100; cat.no. ab92486; Abcam), and the secondary antibodies used in the present study were biotinylated goat anti‐rabbit or anti‐mouse immunoglobulin G. Immunocomplexes were visualized using a diaminobenzidine tetrahydrochloride reagent kit (cat.no. C09\u0026ndash;12; GBI Labs).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePulp cavity preparation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The animal experiment was performed as previously described \u003csup\u003e33\u003c/sup\u003e. The animals were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injections of Avertin (Sigma-Aldrich, USA). Pulpal cavity was mechanically prepared in pulp chamber of first right molar of 8 wks male mice using a 0.6-mm round burr in a high-speed handpiece with water spray under a dissecting microscopy (S6, Leica). Pluronic F-127 medium containing 100 \u0026mu;M 4PBA or 0.07% DMSO was treated in the pulpal cavity. The left upper molars were used as the untreated controls. After treatment, the exposed teeth were double-sealed with Dy-cal (Dentsply Caulk, Milford, DE) and light-cured composite resin with a bonding system.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMicro\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e‐\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCT imaging\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; The samples after 6 weeks were analyzed using micro-CT imaging (Skyscan1272; Bruker, Kontich, Belgium). The specimens were scanned through 360\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003e at a spatial resolution of 4904ⅹ3280 pixels with a pixel size of 2 mm. The image data were reconstructed and analyzed using Dataviewer and CTAn (Bruker) to quantify the volume of hard tissue formation \u003csup\u003e33\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgments\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) NRF-2018R1A2A3075600, NRF-2017R1A5A2015391.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEui-Seon Lee contributed to conceptualization, data acquisition, data analysis, interpretation, preparation of the main manuscript test. Yam Prasad Aryal and Tae-Young Kim contributed to analysis and interpretation of data. Jae-Kwang Jung and Jung-Hong Ha contributed to data acquisition and analysis, experimental designing, interpretation of data. Jae-Young Kim contributed to conceptualization and designing of manuscript, data analysis, interpretation and critically revised the manuscript. All authors reviewed the manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; Authors deny any conflicts of interest related to this study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical approval\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; All experiments involving animals were performed according to the guidelines of the Kyungpook National University, School of Dentistry, Intramural Animal Use and Care Committee (KNU-2015-136).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSarvani, C., Sireesh, D. \u0026amp; Ramkumar, K. M. Unraveling the role of ER stress inhibitors in the context of metabolic diseases. \u003cem\u003ePharmacol. 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Endod.\u003c/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e44\u003c/strong\u003e, 1812\u0026ndash;1816 (2018).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"drug repositioning, cavity preparation, chemical chaperone, dentin-pulp complex, reparative dentin formation","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-119295/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-119295/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eFor hard tissue formation, cellular mechanisms, involved in protein folding, processing, and secretion play important roles in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In pathological and regeneration conditions, ER stress hinders proper formation and secretion of proteins, and tissue regeneration by unfolded protein synthesis. 4-Phenylbutyric acid (4PBA) is a chemical chaperone that alleviates ER stress through modulation in proteins folding and protein trafficking. However, previous studies about 4PBA only focused on the metabolic diseases rather than on hard tissue formation and regeneration. Herein, we evaluated the function of 4PBA in dentin regeneration using an exposed pulp animal model system via a local delivery method as a drug repositioning strategy. Altered morphological changes and cellular physiology were examined with histology and immunohistochemistry. The 4PBA treatment modulated the inflammation reaction and resolved ER stress in the early stage of pulp exposure. In addition, 4PBA treatment activated blood vessel formation and TGF-𝛽1 expression in the dentin-pulp complex. Micro-computed tomography and histological examinations confirmed the facilitated formation of the dentin bridge in the 4PBA-treated specimens.\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c/strong\u003eThese results suggest that proper modulation of ER stress would be an important factor for secretion and patterned formation in dentin regeneration.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Facilitation of Reparative Dentin Using a Drug Repositioning Approach With 4-Phenylbutric Acid","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2020-12-07 17:01:25","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-119295/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"e5711621-6611-4788-934b-748ea485dd29","owner":[],"postedDate":"December 7th, 2020","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":1343693,"name":"General Biochemistry"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2021-01-11T08:29:25+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2020-12-07 17:01:25","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-119295","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-119295","identity":"rs-119295","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"_2-kVJe1T_tPrBINL-cwx","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}