Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF, CCN2) is one of the multi-functional secreted proteins which belong to CCN family of cysteine-rich growth factors. CTGF is known to have pivotal roles in embryonic endochondral ossification but its role in relevance to periodontitis is never been determined. To identify new molecular mediators associated with periodontitis-induced bone resorption, we have analyzed publicly available GEO database and found the markedly augmented CTGF mRNA expression in periodontitis gingival tissues. The existence of CTGF significantly enhanced mature osteoclasts survival which accompanied by reduction in TUNEL-positive nuclei and PARP cleavage. These results may provide another line of evidence the CTGF mediated prolonged osteoclast survival and subsequent increased bone resorption in the periodontitis patients.

• 한혜연(부산대학교 치의학전문대학원 구강병리학교실) | Hye-Yeon Han (Department of Oral Pathology)
• 박종철(구강악안면외과학교실) | Jong-Cheol Park (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery)
• 유미현(부산대학교 치의학전문대학원 구강병리학교실,BK21플러스 사업단) | Mi Heon Ryu (Department of Oral Pathology,BK21 PLUS Project)
• 배문경(BK21플러스 사업단, 구강생리학교실) | Moon-Kyoung Bae (BK21 PLUS Project, Department of Oral Physiology, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University)
• 김형준(BK21플러스 사업단, 구강생리학교실) | Hyung Joon Kim (BK21 PLUS Project, Department of Oral Physiology, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University) Corresponding author