Video4 BBS7–SHH Signaling Activity Regulates Primary Cilia for Periodontal Homeostasis

The study investigated the role of Bardet-Biedl syndrome 7 (BBS7) in maintaining periodontal ligament (PDL) homeostasis under occlusal hypofunction, using RNA sequencing on 34 human teeth. It was found that BBS7 expression was downregulated in hypofunctional PDL, leading to changes in PDL cell number, collagen fiber alignment, blood vessel diameter, and primary cilia appearance. Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling activity was closely linked to BBS7 expression, and BBS7 knockdown suppressed cell migration and angiogenesis in vitro. The study concluded that BBS7 was crucial for maintaining Shh signaling activity and PDL homeostasis.