Establishment of a model of murine odontoblasts underexpressing Pkd1 using shRNA

We have previously shown that PKD1, the gene encoding Polycystin-1 (or TRPP1) is expressed in human odontoblasts and that this protein is localized at the primary cilium of the cell. Nevertheless, its function remain unclear in this cell even if studies on osteoblasts, osteocytes and chondrocytes give TRPP1 as a promising candidate for mechanotransduction in response to mechanical stress. Consequently, to evaluate the role of TRPP1 in this transduction process, we needed first to generate an in vitro murine model down expressing Pkd1. Using lentivirus-mediated shRNA technology, we obtained a 60% suppression of Pkd1 mRNA expression in transfected MO6-G3 cells associated with a decrease of cell proliferation. Thus, establishment of this murine odontoblast model underexpressing Pkd1 associated with applied mechanical forces (compression or shear stress) will allow us to go further in the determination of TRPP1 involvement in odontoblasts mechanotransduction. Nous avons montré précédemment que PKD1, le gène codant pour la polycystine 1 ou TRPP1, est exprimé dans les cultures d’odontoblastes humains avec une localisation préférentielle de la protéine au niveau des cils primaires. Cependant, la fonction de TRPP1 reste à ce jour inconnue malgré un rôle potentiel de mécanotransducteur mis en évidence dans les ostéoblastes, ostéocytes et chondrocytes. Pour évaluer le rôle de cette protéine dans les odontoblastes nous avons choisi de mettre au point un modèle cellulaire sous-exprimant Pkd1. Ainsi, à l’aide de shRNA, nous avons obtenu une lignée cellulaire de souris (MO6-G3) sous-exprimant de façon stable Pkd1 (60% de sous-expression), et présentant une diminution de la prolifération cellulaire. Ce nouveau modèle cellulaire associé à l’application de forces mécaniques (compression ou étirement) devrait nous permettre d’évaluer l’implication de TRPP1 dans les processus de mécanotransduction des odontoblastes

Relationship between the level of awareness and attitudes regarding organ donation among selected residents of Barangay 155, Zone 14, Tondo, Manila

This research study utilized the correlational research design. The respondents were 345 selected residents aged 18 and above. A self-made questionnaire was used to obtain the needed data. Percentage, frequency, mean, standard deviation, ANOVA and Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation were the statistical treatment employed. The following conclusions were obtained based on the findings of the study: 1) majority of the respondents are 35 to 64 years old, college undergraduates and have a monthly income of below Php10,000; 2) most of the respondents are somewhat aware of organ donation; 3) the attitude of the respondents regarding organ donation is mostly uncertain. They neither agree nor disagree with organ donation and therefore their attitude can definitely change with positive education; 4) there is no significant difference in the level of awareness regarding organ donation when the respondents were grouped according to age. There is a significant difference in the level of awareness regarding organ donation when grouped according to educational attainment and socio-economic status. College graduates and those with monthly income of Php10,000 to Php 39,000 have the higher level of awareness than other groups; 5) there are no significant differences in the attitude on organ donation when grouped according to age and educational attainment. There is a significant difference in the attitude on organ donation when grouped according to socio-economic status. Those who earned Php 40,000 to Php 59,999 have the most positive attitude towards organ donation; 6) the level of awareness and attitude regarding organ donation are significantly related. The relationship between the level of awareness and attitude of the respondents regarding organ donation was found to be moderately positive. This means that those with high level of awareness regarding organ donation will likely have a highly positive attitude regarding organ donation