The Role of Type VI Collagen in Alveolar Bone.

Many studies have been conducted to elucidate the role of Type VI collagen in muscle and tendon, however, its role in oral tissues remains unclear. In this study, an α2(VI) deficient mouse (-KO) model was used to examine the role of Type VI collagen in oral tissues. Tissue volume and mineral density were measured in oral tissues by µCT. Proteome analysis was performed using protein extracted from alveolar bone. In addition, alveolar bone was evaluated with a periodontitis induced model. µCT analysis showed the -KO mice had less volume of alveolar bone, dentin and dental pulp, while the width of periodontal ligament (PDL) was greater than WT. The mineral density in alveolar bone and dentin were elevated in -KO mice compared with WT. Our proteome analysis showed significant changes in proteins related to ECM organization and elevation of proteins associated with biomineralization in the -KO mice. In induced periodontitis, -KO mice had greater alveolar bone loss compared with WT. In conclusion, Type VI collagen has a role in controlling biomineralization in alveolar bone and that changes in the ECM of alveolar bone could be associated with greater bone loss due to periodontitis.