Gli1+细胞在TMJ骨关节炎修复中的稳态调节作用及机制研究

TMJOA是口腔临床一种严重影响生活质量的常见疾病。近年来申请人课题组等利用再定位咬合板治疗TMJOA取得了明显进展，但临床疗效个体差异较大。如何更有针对性地优化TMJOA的干预手段是临床亟待解决的问题，其中阐明TMJOA的组织病理和修复机制至关重要。近年来，MSCs的稳态调节能力已被初步应用于多种组织的再生修复研究。2014年颅颌面MSCs的体内标志物Gli1的发现将可能进一步推动相关疾病MSCs治疗的研究。基于上述研究现状及前期研究基础，本项目拟建立Gli1基因报告及示踪小鼠培养体系，探讨颞下颌关节区Gli1+细胞在不同发育阶段、不同力学环境下的分布及其在组织改建中的作用；建立小鼠TMJOA模型，观察关节区Gli1+细胞在炎症环境下的稳态调节能力，进而评估Gli1+细胞移植治疗TMJOA的有效性，并分析其作用机制。该项目的顺利实施将为Gli1+细胞治疗TMJOA的应用奠定实验基础。

TMJ osteoarthritis is a common disease in clinical practice that strongly affects life quality. We have recently made some progress in TMJOA treatment via repositioning splint, but individual difference can be seen in its effects. Optimized treatment options remain to be discovered, and to clarify the mechanisms of TMJOA repair might be a key to it. The discovery of Gli1, marker of craniofacial MSCs, will further the research of stem cell treatment for craniofacial diseases. Based on the research progress above, we plan to observe the distribution of Gli1+ cells and their role in maintaining tissue homeostasis. With the establishment of TMJOA model in transgenic mice, we will observe the ability of Gli1+ cells to regulate the microenvironment under inflammatory circumstances, and evaluate the effectiveness and mechanisms of Gli1+ cell transplantation in treating TMJOA. This project will lay the foundation for clinical application of Gli1+ cell therapy for TMJOA.