MicroRNA‐21 promotes orthodontic tooth movement by modulating the RANKL/OPG balance in T cells.

Objectives: The present study was designed to investigate the effects of microRNA‐21 (miR‐21) on orthodontic tooth movement. Methods: The orthodontic tooth movement model was established in C57BL/6 and miR‐21−/− mice with or without implantation of activated T cells. Histological and histomorphometrical analyses were performed by hematoxylin–eosin staining. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphate staining was used to analyze the osteoclast numbers during tooth movement. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry analysis were used to examine the expression of RANKL and OPG. Results: In miR‐21−/− mice, the distance of tooth movement was retarded, the osteoclast number was decreased, and serum RANKL expression was strongly reduced. MiR‐21 promoted the secretion of RANKL from activated T cells. Furthermore, activated T cells could partially rescue the decreased orthodontic tooth movement distance in miR‐21−/− mice. MiR‐21 was shown to promote orthodontic tooth movement by modulating the RANKL/OPG balance in T cells. Conclusions: The impact of miR‐21 on tooth movement was better elucidated, furthering our understanding of its role and clinical applications in orthodontics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]