Fig. 8

Effect of FTX on the odontogenic differentiation of hDPSCs. A After 21 days of odontogenic induction, the expression of the odontogenic-related genes ALP, OCN, DSPP and DMP-1 was downregulated in the LPS groups compared with the unstimulated groups, as well as in the FTX-overexpressing groups compared with the vector groups. Overexpression of FTX further decreased their expression in the LPS groups. B After odontogenic induction for 21 days, the protein expression of DSPP and DMP-1 in each group showed a similar trend to their gene expression (B1: Representative bands of the protein expression of DSPP and DMP-1; B2: Quantitative analysis results of western blotting; Full-length blots are presented in Additional file 4). C The calcification nodule formation of hDPSCs overexpressing FTX is shown by Alizarin red staining. (C1) Inflammatory stimulation with LPS inhibited calcification nodule formation. The number and size of the mineral nodules in DPSCs with FTX overexpression were lower than those in the vector groups (× 50). (C2) The OD value of the mineralization nodules in hDPSCs overexpressing FTX was significantly downregulated compared with that in the vector groups at each time point. *: compared with the vector group, P < 0.05; **: compared with the vector group, P < 0.01; ∆: compared with the LPS stimulation group, P < 0.05; ∆∆: compared with the LPS stimulation group, P < 0.01; ∆∆∆: compared with the LPS stimulation group, P < 0.001