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Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) constitute a family of proteins controlling cell growth and proliferation and whose activities are tightly controlled in normal cells. LRIG1 is a negative regulator of RTK signaling and is a proposed tumor suppressor. The aim of this thesis was to identify and study possible paralogs of LRIG1. By using the basic local alignment search tool and cDNA cloning, a human mRNA sequence with similarity to LRIG1 was identified and named LRIG2. By fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, LRIG2 was found to reside on chromosome 1p13. The LRIG2 amino acid sequence was 47% identical to LRIG1, and the predicted protein domain organization was the same as that of LRIG1. Antibodies against LRIG2 were developed and the apparent molecular weight of the protein was determined to be 132 kDa by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis. The sub-cellular localization was studied by cell surface biotinylation experiments and confocal fluorescence laser microscopy, which revealed that LRIG2 resided at the cell surface and in the cytoplasm. The expression patterns of LRIG2 mRNA, during development and in adult tissues, were evaluated using whole-mount in situ hybridization and quantitative real-time RT-PCR, respectively. In E10.5, E11.5 and E12.5 mouse embryos, the Lrig2 expression domains were both overlapping and unique as compared to the expression domains of Lrig1 and the third family member, Lrig3. In adult human tissues, the most prominent LRIG2 mRNA expression was found in skin, uterus and ovary. To study the developmental and physiological role of LRIG2, Lrig2 knock-out mice were generated. The knock-out mice were born at Mendelian frequencies without any apparent morphological abnormalities. However, Lrig2 knock-out mice showed reduced body weight between 5 days and 12-15 weeks of age, increased mortality, and impaired reproductive capacity. To study the role of LRIG2 as a prognostic factor in oligodendroglioma, LRIG2 expression was analyzed in 65 human oligodendrogliomas by immunohistochemistry. Cytoplasmic LRIG2 expression was an independent prognostic factor associated with poor oligodendroglioma patient survival. The possible functional role of LRIG2 in oligodendroglioma biology was further investigated using the RCAS/tv-a mouse model. Tumors resembling human oligodendroglioma were induced by intracranial injection of PDGFB carrying RCAS retroviruses into newborn Ntv-a mice. Lrig2 wild-type animals developed tumors at a higher frequency and of higher malignancy than the Lrig2 knock-out mice. This result supports the notion that LRIG2 promotes PDGF-induced oligodendroglioma genesis. A possible molecular mechanism was revealed as LRIG2 overexpression increased PDGFRa levels in transfected cells. In summary, we identified a new gene named LRIG2, showed that it is expressed in a variety of tissues during development and in adulthood, knocked it out and found that it was required for proper animal growth, health, and reproduction. We also found that Lrig2 expression promoted PDGF-induced oligodendroglioma genesis and was associated with poor oligodendroglioma patient survival, possibly via a PDGFRa stabilizing function.

AIM: Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) has emerged as a biomarker for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Its overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in patients, however, the reason behind it is not well understood. The aim of this study is to determine the target for LOXL2 on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) treated with cancer-conditioned media. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 30 large (150 x 20mm) plates of human gingival fibroblast cells (HGF) were cultured. For serum depletion, HGF or cancer cells were washed two times with PBS and treated with serum-free DMEM for 24 h. Condition media (CM) was produced by growing cancer cells till they were confluent. Then, 10 plates of HSC3 cells were washed twice with PBS, and were treated with serum-free DMEM for 24 h and the conditioned media was collected. Three (A – CMI, B - CM, C- SF) groups of 10 plates each respectively were made. After incubation for 6 hours, HGFs were washed with ice cold PBS and scraped in about and equal volume of glass beads were added and were subjected to dialysis. Proteins from human fibroblasts were extracted and bioyinylated with biotin hydrazide followed by sodium cyanoborohydride reduction. For affinity binding to Neutravidin, 200 microliters of suspended Neutravidin-agarose was then added to a Neutravidin column at room temperature and equilibrated with 1 ml binding buffer. . The bound proteins were collected and subjected to SDS Page western blot and probed for PDGF Beta, Integrin Alpha V and Beta Actin. RESULTS: PDGFR beta in fibroblasts displayed marked reduction in oxidation when PSX-S1C inhibitor of LOXL2 was added to cancer cell condition media. CONCLUSION: The reduction of affinity of PDGF-BB for PDGFR in both the samples indicates the priming role of LOXL2 on PDGFR, which was evident when the inhibitor was added to the samples.

Aberrant expression of Platelet-derived growth factor A (PDGF-A) and PDGF receptor-β (PDGFR-β) play critical roles in the angiogenesis and proliferation of several malignancies. In this dissertation I explore the transcriptional regulatory role of the Gquadruplex- forming regions in the promoters of human PDGF-A and PDGFR-β, and identify new targets for developing small molecules to modulate their expression in tumors. For PDGF-A promoter, our studies focus on two essential nuclease hypersensitive elements, NHE(PDGF-A) and 5´-end far upstream 5´-SHS. The structural aspects of the intramolecular G-quadruplexes formed in NHE(PDGF-A) and the ligands to stabilize these secondary DNA structures have been investigated by using singlestranded and duplex DNA of the NHE(PDGF-A). We demonstrate that the G-quadruplexinteractive compound, TMPyP4, can selectively inhibit the basal promoter activity of PDGF-A, suggesting that the NHE(PDGF-A) G-quadruplex acts as a repressor in PDGF-A transcription. We also found that the 5´-SHS G-rich strand oligomer can invade the NHE(PDGF-A) and form a unique three-stranded complex in supercoiled plasmids, which is facilitated by potassium ions and TMPyP4. Therefore, we propose a novel molecular mechanism for transcriptional silencing of the NHE(PDGF-A) by 5´-SHS in the PDGF-A promoter, in that the formation of G-quadruplex in the NHE(PDGF-A) provides a platform for the G-rich strand of 5´-SHS to invade and form a partial duplex DNA with the C-rich strand of the NHE(PDGF-A), resulting in displacement of hnRNP K and thus transcription silencing. Prior to the studies describe here, the promoter of human PDGFR-β had not been identified. Herein, we have cloned and characterized the first functional promoter of human PDGFR-β gene. A crucial highly GC-rich region (NHE(PDGFR-β)) in the human PDGFR-β promoter has been identified by its hypersensitivity to the S1 nuclease. Further studies demonstrate that stable G-quadruplex structures can form in the G-rich strand of NHE(PDGFR-β). The G-quadruplex-interactive molecule, telomestatin, can selectively stabilize G-quadruplexes formed in the human PDGFR-β promoter and inhibit its expression in Daoy cells. On the basis of these results, we propose that ligandmediated stabilization of the G-quadruplex structure in the proximal promoter region of human PDGF-A or PDGFR-β can be used to modulate the expression of these protooncogenes.

Oligodendrocytes (OL) are the myelinating cells of the central nervous system (CNS). A series of complex cell signaling events in the CNS ensures successful myelination. Various molecular cues including growth factors, transcription factors and cytokines regulate myelination by inducing OL migration, proliferation and differentiation. Plateletderived growth factor A (PDGF-A) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) are two of the most well characterized regulators of OP migration. The current study hypothesizes that PDGF-A and FGF2 regulate the migration of OP through transient activation of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. The results show that activation of ERK is required for OP migration. It also demonstrates the significance of threshold levels of growth factors and temporal regulation for OP migration. Furthermore, the chemokine CXCL1 has been shown to play a critical role in regulating the dispersal of OP during development, although the mechanisms underlying this regulation are unknown. Previous studies have shown that calcium flux is required for OP migration. CXCL1 induces calcium flux in cells; therefore we hypothesized that CXCL1 inhibition of OP migration was regulated via changes in intracellular calcium flux. However, our results show that CXCL1 inhibition of OP migration is independent of calcium signaling. In addition, we show that CXCL1 inhibition of OP migration is specific to PDGF-A induced migration. Lastly, the current study identifies a transcriptional regulator, methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) as regulating the expression of myelin specific genes in a transgenic mouse. Interestingly, gene expression of myelin associated proteins myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG)and proteolipid protein (PLP), which play an important role in regulation of OL differentiation and subsequent formation of myelin of the myelin sheath, where found to be dysregulated. Overall, these findings reveal previously unknown roles of various intrinsic factors in successive phases of OL development. It aims to provide a better understanding of complexity to myelin development, function and disease.

Introduction and Objectives: The PDGFβ receptor and its ligand, PDGF-BB, are expressed throughout the central nervous system (CNS), including the hippocampas. Several reports confirm that PDGFβ receptors are neuroprotective against N-methyl-D-asparate (NMDA)-induced cell death in hippocampal neurons. NMDA receptor dysfunction is important for the expression of many symptoms of mental health disorders such as schizophrenia. The serotonin (5-HT) type 7 receptor was the most recent of the 5-HT receptor family to be identified and cloned. 5-HT receptors interact with several signaling systems in the CNS including receptors activated by the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate such as the NMDA receptor. Although there is extensive interest in targeting the 5-HT7 receptor with novel therapeutic compounds, the function and signaling properties of 5-HT7 receptors in neurons remains poorly characterized. Methods: The SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line, primary hippocampal cultures, and hippocampal slices were treated with 5-HT7 receptor agonists and antagonists. Western blotting was used to measure PDGFß receptor expression and phosphorylation as well as NMDA receptor subunit expression and phosphorylation levels. Real-time RT-PCR was used to measure mRNA level of PDGFß receptor in neuronal cultures. Cell death assays (MAP2, MTT) were used to measure the neuroprotective effects of 5-HT7 and PDGFß receptor activation. Results: My research involved elucidating the molecular mechanisms of neuroprotection after 5-HT7-induced PDGFß receptor upregulation. I demonstrated that 24 h treatment with the selective 5-HT7 receptor agonist, LP 12, increased not only the expression but also the activation of PDGFß receptors as measured by the phosphorylation of tyrosine 1021, the phospholipase Cγ binding site. Activation of the 5-HT7 receptor also selectively changed the expression and phosphorylation state of the NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptor. Activation of 5-HT7 receptors was neuroprotective against NMDA-induced toxicity in primary hippocampal neurons and this effect required PDGFß receptor kinase activity. Thus, long-term (24 h) activation of 5-HT7 receptors was neuroprotective via increasing the expression of a negative regulator of NMDA activity, the PDGFß receptor. In contrast, acute activation (5-30 min) of 5-HT7 receptor increased NMDA evoked current and altered NMDA receptor subunit phosphorylation in hippocampal neurons in a manner that was different from what we observed in our 24 h experiments. Conclusions: I identified two 5-HT7 receptor to NMDA receptor pathways: acute activation of the receptor increased NMDA-evoked currents whereas long-term 5-HT7 agonist treatment prevented NMDA-induced excitotoxicity in a PDGFß receptor-dependent manner. This research is significant in the ongoing advances for the treatment of mental heath disorders, such as schizophrenia and depression, that involve the 5-HT, glutamate, and neuronal growth factor systems.

Oligodendrocytes (OL) are the myelinating cells of the central nervous system (CNS). A series of complex cell signaling events in the CNS ensures successful myelination. Various molecular cues including growth factors, transcription factors and cytokines regulate myelination by inducing OL migration, proliferation and differentiation. Plateletderived growth factor A (PDGF-A) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) are two of the most well characterized regulators of OP migration. The current study hypothesizes that PDGF-A and FGF2 regulate the migration of OP through transient activation of the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. The results show that activation of ERK is required for OP migration. It also demonstrates the significance of threshold levels of growth factors and temporal regulation for OP migration. Furthermore, the chemokine CXCL1 has been shown to play a critical role in regulating the dispersal of OP during development, although the mechanisms underlying this regulation are unknown. Previous studies have shown that calcium flux is required for OP migration. CXCL1 induces calcium flux in cells; therefore we hypothesized that CXCL1 inhibition of OP migration was regulated via changes in intracellular calcium flux. However, our results show that CXCL1 inhibition of OP migration is independent of calcium signaling. In addition, we show that CXCL1 inhibition of OP migration is specific to PDGF-A induced migration. Lastly, the current study identifies a transcriptional regulator, methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) as regulating the expression of myelin specific genes in a transgenic mouse. Interestingly, gene expression of myelin associated proteins myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin associated glycoprotein (MAG)and proteolipid protein (PLP), which play an important role in regulation of OL differentiation and subsequent formation of myelin of the myelin sheath, where found to be dysregulated. Overall, these findings reveal previously unknown roles of various intrinsic factors in successive phases of OL development. It aims to provide a better understanding of complexity to myelin development, function and disease.

BACKGROUND: Cells, growth factors and scaffold are the 3 fundamental factors currently proposed necessary for tissue regeneration. The use of these components has to be orchestrated precisely for ideal functional tissue formation. Growth factors enhance cellular activities that may lead to angiogenesis, cell proliferation and extracellular matrix biosynthesis. Due to the complexity of biochemical reactions a single growth factor may have limited effect. In order to explore a mixed profile of growth factors, a new biomaterial containing multiple growth factors derived from human Amniotic Membrane was chosen to compare with a known single growth factor (rhPDGF-BB). AIM: To compare the potential for enhanced bone formation by a morselized amniotic membrane suspension (AmnioSpark) with a known single cytokine PDGF-BB (GEM21,Lynch) under ex-vivo calvaria culture conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 45 Calvaria from 7-9 day neonatal CD-1 mice were surgically harvested under sterile conditions. The calvaria were split through the mid sagittal suture to create 90 test specimens. A 2mm diameter critical size defect was created by biopsy punch thru the center of each calvarial specimen. This defect was bridged with a non-crosslinked type I collagen membrane of the same diameter to act as a scaffold. To compare AmnioSpark (AGF) potential for tissue regeneration against a known single cytokine PDGF-BB, the calvarial specimen were divided into six experimental groups: 1) Defect only, 2) Defect + scaffold, 3) Defect + scaffold + a single dose of (rhPDGF-BB ) a known bone stimulant, 4) Defect + Scaffold + 4 doses (day 0,3,5,7) of ( rhPDGF-BB), 5) Defect + scaffold + a single dose of (AGF) and 6) Defect + scaffold + 4 doses (day 0,3,5,7) of (AGF). Each test group had (N=5). A unique static tissue culture method was used with DMEM medium supplemented with ascorbic acid (150 ug/ml) and bovine serum albumin (5 mg/ml) without fetal calf serum to enhance bone formation for up to 7 weeks. Culture medium was changed every 2 days after day 3 and the harvested media was used for the following analyses: A) Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as an osteoblastic activity indicator, and B) Tartrate Resistant Acid phosphatase (TRAP) as an osteoclastic bone remodeling activity indicator1. Macro photography and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image analysis at different magnifications was performed to evaluate surface conditions. Histological analysis was performed with light microscope images on standard 4 um sections using H&E, Tri chrome, Picrosirius red and a fluorescence stain for RUNX2 as an osteoblast marker. RESULTS: With a single dose of test material ALP activity in the AGF group was significantly higher at 5 and 7 days. In addition ALP activity was significantly higher compared to all groups for up to 3 weeks post-application in the multiple dose AGF group (P<0.05). In contrast there was a dramatic decline in ALP in all other groups within the first week. TRAP activity was not detectable in any group. SEM images showed that osteoblast like cells accumulated and new tissue formation occurred over the surface of the scaffold obliterating the defect/membrane interface at 21 days with the AGF stimulus while in the PDGF-BB group the scaffold was still distinguishable from surrounding bone with no new tissue formation or cell migration . Histologic images confirmed an organized distribution of cells along the surface of the scaffold and new bone formation around the periphery of the defect in the AGF group (FIG42), while no bone formation or cell migration occurred in PDGF-BB group (FIG 35-38). Further diagnostic stains confirmed the presence of active osteoblasts (RUNX2)and the production of collagens I and II ( Masson Tri Chrome and PSR). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that growth factors from amniotic extract (AGF) have the potential to enhance calvarial bone regeneration under an ex-vivo culture condition. These findings suggest that AGF could be a candidate for use as a new type of therapeutic material for regenerative medicine.

Mulheres com risco de falência ovariana prematura, assim como aquelas diagnosticadas com câncer que desejam preservar sua fertilidade, têm como opção a criopreservação do tecido ovariano. Esse tecido seria destinado, dependendo do caso, ao reimplante posterior ou para o cultivo in vitro de folículos ovarianos isolados do tecido criopreservado. Nesse contexto, os folículos primordiais são uma população importante tanto por serem mais resistentes ao processo de criopreservação, como por representarem cerca de 90% da população total folicular. Porém o uso destes folículos para procedimentos de Reprodução Assistida ainda é bastante limitado, pois os mecanismos responsáveis pelo seu processo de ativação ainda não são completamente conhecidos. A via de sinalização fosfatidilinositol 3- quinase (PI3K) foi recentemente identificada como determinante para o controle da ativação dos folículos primordiais. Portanto o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e localizar os fatores componentes da via: supressores (FOXO3a e PTEN) e ativadores (Akt e Phospho-Akt). O que ofereceria uma valiosa ferramenta para elucidar os mecanismos envolvidos na ativação do pool de reserva folicular e permitiria o desenvolvimento de sistemas de cultivo folicular que atuassem diretamente nestes mecanismos. Sendo assim, foi realizado um estudo transversal com amostras de tecido ovariano humano, que foram submetidas à reação imunohistoquímica dos fatores previamente citados. Foram incluídas na casuística 40 pacientes, com idade média de 27,7 anos ± 7,26. Foi realizada uma análise comparativa da expressão dessas proteínas entre os folículos primordiais e primários. Foi encontrada diferença significativa para a proteína Akt, (p<0,05) em que os folículos primordiais (oócito e células da granulosa) manifestaram mais expressão da proteína Akt em comparação aos folículos primários. Também foi encontrada diferença significativa para a proteína phospho-Akt, porém apenas nas células da granulosa, em que houve maior expressão em folículos primordiais comparados aos primários. Enquanto ambos os estágios tiveram marcação negativa para o PTEN e FOXO3a na maioria dos folículos analisados. Sendo assim, neste estudo não foi possível identificar dentre as proteínas escolhidas uma que tivesse expressão claramente característica de uma ou de outra fase folicular, não sendo possível inferir que a atividade de qualquer uma das proteínas fosse estritamente ligada à ativação dos folículo primordiais. / Women at risk of premature ovarian failure, as well as those diagnosed with cancer who wish to preserve their fertility, have, as option, the ovarian tissue cryopreservation. This tissue would be destined, depending on the case, to posterior reimplantation, or for the in vitro culture of ovarian follicles isolated from the cryopreserved tissue. In this context, primordial follicles are an important population of cells. As they are more resistant to the cryopreservation process and they represent about 90% of the whole follicular population. However, the use of these follicles for Assisted Reproduction procedures is still quite limited, since the mechanisms responsible for its activation process are not fully understood. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway has recently been identified as determinant for the control of primordial follicle activation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify and localize the components of this pathway: suppressors (FOXO3a and PTEN) and activators (Akt and phospho-Akt). This would offer a valuable tool to elucidate the mechanisms involved in the activation of the follicular reserve pool and would allow the development of in vitro culture protocols that would act directly in these mechanisms. Thus, a cross-sectional study with samples of human ovarian tissue was performed. These samples were submitted to the immunohistochemical reaction of the previously mentioned factors. Forty patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 27.7 ± 7.26. A comparative analysis of the expression of these proteins was performed between primordial and primary follicles. A significant difference was found for the Akt protein (p<0.05) in which the primordial follicles (oocyte and granulosa cells) showed more Akt expression than primary follicles. Another significant difference was found for the phosphor-Akt protein, but only for the granulosa cells, where there was a greater expression in primordial follicles compared to the primary ones. While both stages were negatively stained for PTEN and FOXO3a in most of the follicles analyzed. Thus, in this study it was not possible to identify among the selected proteins one that had clearly characteristic expression of one or the other follicular phase, and it was not possible to infer that the activity of any of the proteins was strictly linked to the activation of the primordial follicles.

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o papel do fator de crescimento derivado de plaquetas-BB (PDGF-BB) na concentração de 300ng/ml na taxa de proliferação e adesão de células derivadas da granulação óssea humana a fragmentos radiculares periodontalmente comprometidos. Na primeira etapa do estudo, foi estabelecida cultura primária de células da granulação óssea de dois pacientes adultos, sistemicamente saudáveis, não fumantes. Após a expansão celular, as células foram caracterizadas para determinação do fenótipo por meio de ensaios de viabilidade celular, MTT, ensaio de atividade de fosfatase alcalina, ensaio de mineralização e caracterização imunohistoquímica por meio de citometria de fluxo (segunda etapa). Na terceira etapa do estudo, os efeitos da adição de PDGF-BB recombinante humano na concentração de 300ng/ml na taxa de proliferação e adesão de células derivadas da granulação óssea a superfícies radiculares periodontalmente comprometidas foram investigados. A taxa de proliferação celular estimulada pelo PDGF-BB (grupo teste) ou pelo meio de cultura (grupo controle) foi investigada por meio de contagem de células viáveis nos frascos de cultura após 1, 3, 5 e 7 dias do cultivo celular. Foram obtidos 30 fragmentos dentários a partir de dentes extraídos por razões periodontais. Os fragmentos foram raspados com curetas Gracey e condicionados com solução em gel de EDTA a 24% durante 3 minutos, lavados com solução de soro fisiológico, secos e posicionados em placas de 24 poços. Foram incubadas sobre os fragmentos tratados 1x104 células GO por 24 horas, seguido por fixação e preparo para análise por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). O número de células aderidas sobre os fragmentos foi analisado nas fotomicrografias. O padrão de crescimento das células GO foi compatível com células ósseas, com modificação do padrão do crescimento com o aumento do número de passagens. Houve atividade de fosfatase alcalina em meio osteogênico e convencional, com pico máximo aos 7 dias e atividade de mineralização estimulada ou não por meio osteogênico, com pico máximo aos 21 dias. A análise por meio de citometria de fluxo demonstrou que as células GO não expressaram CD105 e CD166 na 14a passagem, indicando sua diferenciação celular avançada nesse período. A adição de rhPDGF-BB resultou em mudança na taxa de proliferação celular, observando-se pico máximo de crescimento aos 7 dias, com diferenças estatisticamente significantes (p < 0.005; ANOVA post hoc Tukey) em relação aos períodos de 1, 3 e 5 dias. O ensaio de MTT demonstrou maior viabilidade celular no período de 48 hs, comparativamente aos períodos de 24 e 72 horas, quando a densidade óptica celular diminuiu de forma significativa (p< 0.05; Friedmann pósteste Dunn). No ensaio de adesão celular, pode-se observar que a adição de rhPDGFBB aumentou significativamente o número de células aderidas aos fragmentos dentários (p< 0.05; teste t não pareado com correção Welch), com alteração da morfologia celular. Esses resultados sugerem que as células GO tem características compatíveis com linhagem de células osteoblásticas, de fenótipo mais diferenciado após a 12a passagem. A adição de rhPDGF-BB (300ng/ml) resulta em aumento da taxa de proliferação das células GO e do número de células aderidas a fragmentos radiculares, indicando que, nesta concentração, o fator de crescimento é citocompatível, favorecendo a proliferação e adesão celular. / The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of recombinant human platelet derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB) at the concentration of 300ng/ml in the proliferation and adhesion of human bone granulation cells to periodontally diseased root fragments. At the first stage of the study, the granulation tissue existent in healing sockets (21 days after its creation) was collected from two systemically healthy nonsmoking adults to the establishment of primary culture. The in vitro properties of bone granulation (BG) cell lineage were characterized by cell viability, MTT, alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization assays. The effects of culture medium (control) and rhPGDF-BB 300ng/ml (test) in the proliferation and adhesion of BG cells were investigated. The rate of BG cells proliferation was investigated by the number of viable cells present at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after platting. Thirty root fragments were obtained from teeth extracted for periodontal reasons. Root fragments were scaled and root planed, conditioned with EDTA 24% for 3 minutes, rinsed in saline solution, air-dryed and positioned in 24-well plates. Each fragment was seeded with 104 BG cells, fixated after 24 hours and prepared for analysis in SEM. The number of cells adhered to the fragments was analysed in photomicrographies. BG cells growth pattern was compatible with osteogenic cell lineage, showing modification with the increasing number of cell passage. GO cells expressed alkaline phosphatase activity in conventional and osteogenic culture medium, with maximum peak at 7 days, as well as mineralization activity stimulated or not by osteogenic or non-osteogenic culture medium, with maximum peak at 21 days. The analysis by flow cytometer showed that BG cells have not expressed CD105 and CD106 at the 14th passage, indicating its advanced cell differentiation. The addition of rhPDGF-BB resulted in modification of proliferation rate, with maximum peak observed at 7 days, significantly different from 1-, 3- and 5-day periods (p< 0.005; ANOVA post hoc Tukey). MTT assay showed greater cell viability after 48 hours than after 24 and 72 hours, when optical density has significantly diminished (p< 0.05; Friedmann post hoc Dunn). At cell adhesion assay, it could be observed that the adhesion of rhPDGF-BB has significantly increased the number of cells adhered to root fragments (p< 0.05; unpaired t test with Welchs correction), and alterations in cell morphology. These results suggest that BG cells present in vitro characteristics compatible with osteoblastic cell lineages, with a more differentiated phenotype after the 12th passage. The addition of rhPDGF-BB (300 ng/ml) results in increase of the rate of BG cell proliferation and in the number of cells adhered to root fragments, indicating that, at this concentration, the growth factor is compatible with BG cells and favors cells proliferation and adhesion.