LAUSR

OBJECTIVES To investigate the effect and mechanism of calcium on LS8 cell differentiation, especially on phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) /protein kinase B(AKT) pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ameloblast-like LS8 cell line was used and additional 0-3.5 mmol/L calcium chloride was treated for 24 h, 48 h. Cell viability and morphological changes, cell cycle and associated regulatory proteins were analyzed. RESULTS No significant effects on morphological changes were observed. Decreased cell viability and increased S phase cells were accompanied by the significant decrease of cyclin A and cyclin B proteins, and significant increase of cyclin D protein in LS8 cells. Additionally, kallikrein-4 and amelotin expressions were significantly increased. Finally, the levels of PI3K, AKT, p-AKT and forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) significantly downregulated after calcium treatment in LS8 cells. CONCLUSIONS Calcium inhibit proliferation and promotes differentiation in LS8 cells, this is closely related to the downregulation of PI3K/AKT signal in LS8 cells.