Expression analysis of Notch signaling pathway molecules in SHED cultured in keratinocyte growth medium

detect the expression of molecules associated with Notch signaling pathway in stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) cultured in specific differentiation medium, namely, keratinocyte growth medium (KGM). Methods: RNA was extracted from SHED harvested on day 1, 3 and 7. RNA was reverse-transcribed to obtain the cDNA and then proceeded with PCR using specific primers for the Notch signaling pathway molecules (Notch1, Jagged-1, Jagged-2 and, Hes1) as well as stem cell marker (Nanog). PCR products were electrophoresed on a 2% agarose gel and stained with SYBR green. Results: Notch-1 was highly expressed in SHED cultured in KGM and showed increase in density as the days progressed, while Jagged-1 showed a decrease. Jagged-2 on the other hand, showed a slight increase on day 3 followed by a decrease on day 7. However, Hes-1 was not expressed in SHED cultured in KGM. Nanog showed expression only on day 3 and gradually increased in expression on day 7. Conclusions: Notch signaling pathway associated molecules; Notch-1, Jagged-1, Jagged-2, and stem cell marker Nanog are expressed in SHED cultured in KGM which may be involved in the differentiation into epithelial-like cells in human dental pulp tissue