Microtubule affinity regulating kinase 4 promoted activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in periodontitis
Lulu Wang, Wenchen Pu, Chun Wang, Lang Lei, Houxuan Li
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Microtubule dynamics plays a crucial role in the spatial arrangement of cell organelles and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore whether microtubule affinity regulating kinase 4 (MARK4) can be a therapeutic target of periodontitis by affecting microtubule dynamics and NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis in macrophages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes and MARK4 were measured in the healthy and inflamed human gingival tissues. Bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis, while the MARK4 inhibitors (OTSSP167 and Compound 50) and small interference RNA were utilized to restrain MARK4. Apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) speck was detected by confocal, and levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), as well as IL-18, were assessed by ELISA. RESULTS: infected BMDMs. CONCLUSIONS: infected BMDMs by affecting microtubule dynamics. MARK4 inhibition might be a potential target in regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome during periodontitis progress.