Dental Pulp Stem Cells Drive Tooth Repair and Regeneration

ABSTRACT

Tooth Repair and Regeneration: Potential of Dental Stem Cells.
Cell Regeneration. 2021;10(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s13619-021-00088-3.

Wei Zhang, Pamela C. Yelick

Author information
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Department of Orthodontics, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

BACKGROUND: Dental stem cells have emerged as one of the most promising cell populations in regenerative medicine because of their ability to self-renew, proliferate, and differentiate into multiple specialized cell types. This review examines how dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and other dental stem cell populations contribute to regeneration of dentin, dental pulp, periodontal tissues, and craniofacial structures while exploring signaling pathways that regulate tooth development and repair.

METHODS: The authors reviewed current research on dental stem cells, emphasizing DPSCs, SHED, PDLSCs, SCAP, and DFSCs, and analyzed signaling pathways including Wnt, BMP, FGF, and SHH in tissue engineering and regenerative therapies.

RESULTS: Evidence showed DPSCs have strong regenerative potential with differentiation into odontoblasts, osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and neural-like cells. Preclinical studies demonstrated regeneration of dentin-pulp complexes, periodontal tissues, alveolar bone, and craniofacial defects.

CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates that dental pulp stem cells represent one of the most versatile stem cell populations in regenerative medicine. Continued advances in stem cell biology, biomaterials, and tissue engineering are expected to accelerate clinical translation.

PMID: 33781688
PMCID: PMC9907435
DOI: 10.1186/s13619-021-00088-3