Genistein regulates the IL-1 beta induced activation of MAPKs in human periodontal ligament cells through G protein-coupled receptor 30.

Periodontal ligament (PDL) cells are fibroblasts that play key roles in tissue integrity, periodontal inflammation and tissue regeneration in the periodontium. The periodontal tissue destruction in periodontitis is mediated by host tissue-produced inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Here, we report the expression of G protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30, also known as G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 GPER) in human PDL cells and its regulation by IL-1β. IL-1β-induced GPR30 expression in human PDL cells leads to the activation of multiple signaling pathways, including MAPK, NF-κB and PI3K. In contrast, genistein, an estrogen receptor ligand, postpones the activation of MAPKs induced by IL-1β. Moreover, the inhibition of GPR30 by G15, a GPR30-specific antagonist, eliminates this delay. Thus, genistein plays a role in the regulation of MAPK activation via GPR30, and GPR30 represents a novel target regulated by steroid hormones in PDL cells.