Proteomic analysis of the biological response of MG63 osteoblast-like cells to titanium implants

Understanding of the interaction between human MG63 osteoblast-like cells and surfaces is necessary in the field of tissue engineering and biomaterials. Various titanium surfaces are widely used as not only implant materials, but also as miniscrews in orthodontics. Our goal was to assess the proteomic response of MG63 osteoblast-like cells to different titanium surfaces. MG63 osteoblast-like cells were cultured on three different titanium surfaces: a smooth surface (S), a sandblasted with large grit and acid-etched surface (SLA), and a surface coated with a thin layer of hydroxyapatite (HA). Cells grown on the rougher surfaces (SLA and HA) exhibited downregulated cell proliferation and morphological changes. In the proteomic analysis, cells grown on the SLA surface showed upregulated expression of protocadherin-β3 precursor, kinase insert domain receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor-3, and insulin-like growth factor I, while the expression levels of cell adhesion kinase, collagen α-1(I) chain precursor, collagen type XI α2, and cadherin-11 were upregulated in cells grown on the HA surface. These proteins are known to be involved in osteoblast adhesion, growth, and differentiation. Thus, the surface properties of dental materials can influence the expression of proteins involved in osseointegration-related processes. Proteomic analysis may reveal changes in novel proteins that explain why osseointegration varies depending on surface properties.