Overexpression of collagen triple helix repeat-containing protein 1 promotes proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells

• Overexpression of CTHRC1 significantly promotes the proliferation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). • CTHRC1 overexpression enhances osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs, as evidenced by increased ALP activity and mineralized nodule formation. • CTHRC1 activates the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, upregulating osteogenic markers Runx2, OCN, and Osterix. • Inhibition of ERK1/2 signaling partially reverses the pro-osteogenic effects of CTHRC1, indicating that the ERK1/2 pathway is a key mediator.