Continuous dynamic identification of key genes and molecular signaling pathways of periosteum in guided bone self-generation in swine model

Background Guided bone self-generation with periosteum-preserved has successfully regenerated mandibular, temporomandibular and interphalangeal joint. The aim of this study was to investigate the dynamic changes of gene expression of periosteum which was involved in the guided bone self-generation. Methods Rib defects of critical size were created in mature swine with periosteum-preserved. The periosteum was sutured into a sealed sheath that closed the bone defect. The periosteum of trauma and control sites were harvested at postoperative 9 time points, and total RNA was extracted. Microarray analysis was conducted to identify the differences in the transcriptome of different time points between two groups. Results The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between control and trauma group were different at postoperative different time points. The dynamic changes of the number of DEGs fluctuated a lot. There were 3 volatility peaks, and we chose 3 time points of DEG number peak (1 week, 5 weeks and 6 months) to study the functions of DEGs. Oxidoreductase activity, oxidation–reduction process and mitochondrion are the most enriched terms of Go analysis. The major signaling pathways of DEGs enrichment include oxidative phosphorylation, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, osteoclast differentiation pathway and Wnt signaling. Conclusions The oxidoreductase reaction was activated during this bone regeneration process. The oxidative phosphorylation, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, osteoclast differentiation pathway and Wnt signaling may play important roles in the guided bone self-generation with periosteum-preserved. This study can provide a reference for how to improve the application of this concept of bone regeneration.