The role of periostin in mechanotransduction in musculoskeletal and periodontal tissues: A scoping review

Objectives: Periostin is a mechanosensitive matricellular protein that is upregulated by mechanical stimulation and plays key roles in remodeling and repair in periodontal tissues, making it a promising target for applications; however, it is not yet used as a therapeutic agent. This scoping review mapped the literature on periostin and summarized the experimental models, cell types, and signaling pathways involved in periostin-mediated mechanotransduction. Data Sources: MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were systematically searched for studies published between 2006 and 2026. Study selection and results: Eligible studies included peer-reviewed original research articles, such as randomized controlled trials, non-randomized studies, observational studies, and laboratory-based experimental studies. After screening, 32 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies consistently showed that periostin acts as a protective matrix-associated molecule that preserves tissue architecture, reinforces mechanical stability, and supports cellular tolerance to mechanical stress and its absence impaired tissue adaptation and homeostasis under biomechanical loading. Conclusion: Current evidence supports periostin as both a marker of force responsiveness and a functional mediator of tissue adaptation under mechanical force stimulation, highlighting its therapeutic potential in musculoskeletal and periodontal regeneration. Clinical Significance: Periostin is a promising biomarker of mechanical force responsiveness and a therapeutic target for tissue regeneration. However, establishing standardized clinical assays, diagnostic thresholds, and validated delivery protocols remains necessary before clinical translation.