GCN2-Mediated Integrated Stress Response Attenuates Periodontitis.

Abstract

The integrated stress response (ISR), regulated by general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2), is essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis, yet its role in periodontitis remains poorly understood. Here, through transcriptomic analysis and immunohistochemistry of gingival biopsies from patients and a ligature-induced mouse periodontitis model, we demonstrate that GCN2-mediated ISR is activated in both human and mouse periodontitis and mainly functioned in macrophages. Usingmice, we show thatdeletion exacerbates gingival inflammation and bone loss in experimental periodontitis. Mechanistically, bulk RNA-seq and in vitro assays revealed that the loss of GCN2 impairs autophagy and leads to overactivation of the NLRP3/CASPASE1 inflammasome pathway. Notably, local administration of halofuginone, a GCN2 activator, mitigates oral inflammation and tissue destruction in a GCN2-dependent manner. In summary, our work highlights the protective role of the GCN2-mediated ISR in oral mucosa and indicates GCN2 as a promising therapeutic target for periodontitis.