-
Developmental Cell Oct 2023Tooth enamel secreted by ameloblasts (AMs) is the hardest material in the human body, acting as a shield to protect the teeth. However, the enamel is gradually damaged...
Tooth enamel secreted by ameloblasts (AMs) is the hardest material in the human body, acting as a shield to protect the teeth. However, the enamel is gradually damaged or partially lost in over 90% of adults and cannot be regenerated due to a lack of ameloblasts in erupted teeth. Here, we use single-cell combinatorial indexing RNA sequencing (sci-RNA-seq) to establish a spatiotemporal single-cell census for the developing human tooth and identify regulatory mechanisms controlling the differentiation process of human ameloblasts. We identify key signaling pathways involved between the support cells and ameloblasts during fetal development and recapitulate those findings in human ameloblast in vitro differentiation from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We furthermore develop a disease model of amelogenesis imperfecta in a three-dimensional (3D) organoid system and show AM maturation to mineralized structure in vivo. These studies pave the way for future regenerative dentistry.
Topics: Humans; Ameloblasts; Amelogenesis; Dental Enamel; Odontogenesis; Tooth
PubMed: 37582367
DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.07.013 -
Biomaterials Aug 2023Dental pulp regeneration is ideal for irreversible pulp or periapical lesions, and in situ stem cell therapy is one of the most effective therapies for pulp...
Dental pulp regeneration is ideal for irreversible pulp or periapical lesions, and in situ stem cell therapy is one of the most effective therapies for pulp regeneration. In this study, we provided an atlas of the non-cultured and monolayer cultured dental pulp cells with single-cell RNA sequencing and analysis. Monolayer cultured dental pulp cells cluster more closely together than non-cultured dental pulp cells, suggesting a lower heterogeneous population with relatively consistent clusters and similar cellular composition. We successfully fabricated hDPSC-loaded microspheres by layer-by-layer photocuring with a digital light processing (DLP) printer. These hDPSC-loaded microspheres have improved stemness and higher multi-directional differentiation potential, including angiogenic, neurogenic, and odontogenic differentiation. The hDPSC-loaded microspheres could promote spinal cord regeneration in rat spinal cord injury models. Moreover, in heterotopic implantation tests on nude mice, CD31, MAP2, and DSPP immunofluorescence signals were observed, implying the formation of vascular, neural, and odontogenetic tissues. In situ experiments in minipigs demonstrated highly vascularized dental pulp and uniformly arranged odontoblast-like cells in root canals of incisors. In short, hDPSC-loaded microspheres can promote full-length dental pulp regeneration at the root canals' coronal, middle, and apical sections, particularly for blood vessels and nerve formation, which is a promising therapeutic strategy for necrotic pulp.
Topics: Mice; Rats; Swine; Animals; Dental Pulp; Swine, Miniature; Microspheres; Regeneration; Mice, Nude; Stem Cells; Cell Differentiation; Spinal Cord; Cells, Cultured
PubMed: 37172537
DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122137 -
Journal of the American Dental... Dec 2023Stem cells are present in most of the tissues in the craniofacial complex and play a major role in tissue homeostasis and repair. These cells are characterized by their... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Stem cells are present in most of the tissues in the craniofacial complex and play a major role in tissue homeostasis and repair. These cells are characterized by their capacity to differentiate into multiple cell types and to self-renew to maintain a stem cell pool throughout the life of the tissue.
TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED
The authors discuss original data from experiments and comparative analyses and review articles describing the identification and characterization of stem cells of the oral cavity.
RESULTS
Every oral tissue except enamel, dentin, and cementum contains stem cells for the entire life span. These stem cells self-renew to maintain a pool of cells that can be activated to replace terminally differentiated cells (for example, odontoblasts) or to enable wound healing (for example, dentin bridge in pulp exposures and healing of periodontal tissues after surgery). In addition, dental stem cells can differentiate into functional blood vessels and nerves. Initial clinical trials have shown that transplanting dental pulp stem cells into disinfected necrotic teeth has allowed for the recovery of tooth vitality and vertical and horizontal root growth in immature teeth with incomplete root formation.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
As a consequence of these groundbreaking discoveries, stem cell banks are now offering services for the cryopreservation of dental stem cells. The future use of stem cell-based therapies in the clinic will depend on the collaboration of clinicians and researchers in projects designed to understand whether these treatments are safe, efficacious, and clinically feasible.
Topics: Humans; Dental Pulp; Tissue Engineering; Stem Cells; Tooth; Dentistry
PubMed: 37804275
DOI: 10.1016/j.adaj.2023.08.007 -
Cell Proliferation Sep 2023Mitochondrial transfer is emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy for tissue repair, but whether it protects against pulpitis remains unclear. Here, we show that...
Mitochondrial transfer is emerging as a promising therapeutic strategy for tissue repair, but whether it protects against pulpitis remains unclear. Here, we show that hyperactivated nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat protein3 (NLRP3) inflammasomes with pyroptotic cell death was present in pulpitis tissues, especially in the odontoblast layer, and mitochondrial oxidative stress (OS) was involved in driving this NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pathology. Using bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) as mitochondrial donor cells, we demonstrated that BMSCs could donate their mitochondria to odontoblasts via tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs) and, thus, reduce mitochondrial OS and the consequent NLRP3 inflammasome-induced pyroptosis in odontoblasts. These protective effects of BMSCs were mostly blocked by inhibitors of the mitochondrial function or TNT formation. In terms of the mechanism of action, TNF-α secreted from pyroptotic odontoblasts activates NF-κB signalling in BMSCs via the paracrine pathway, thereby promoting the TNT formation in BMSCs and enhancing mitochondrial transfer efficiency. Inhibitions of NF-κB signalling and TNF-α secretion in BMSCs suppressed their mitochondrial donation capacity and TNT formation. Collectively, these findings demonstrated that TNT-mediated mitochondrial transfer is a potential protective mechanism of BMSCs under stress conditions, suggesting a new therapeutic strategy of mitochondrial transfer for dental pulp repair.
Topics: Humans; Pyroptosis; Inflammasomes; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein; NF-kappa B; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Pulpitis; Dental Pulp; Mitochondria
PubMed: 37086012
DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13442 -
International Journal of Oral Science Nov 2023Tooth root development involves intricate spatiotemporal cellular dynamics and molecular regulation. The initiation of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) induces... (Review)
Review
Tooth root development involves intricate spatiotemporal cellular dynamics and molecular regulation. The initiation of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) induces odontoblast differentiation and the subsequent radicular dentin deposition. Precisely controlled signaling pathways modulate the behaviors of HERS and the fates of dental mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs). Disruptions in these pathways lead to defects in root development, such as shortened roots and furcation abnormalities. Advances in dental stem cells, biomaterials, and bioprinting show immense promise for bioengineered tooth root regeneration. However, replicating the developmental intricacies of odontogenesis has not been resolved in clinical treatment and remains a major challenge in this field. Ongoing research focusing on the mechanisms of root development, advanced biomaterials, and manufacturing techniques will enable next-generation biological root regeneration that restores the physiological structure and function of the tooth root. This review summarizes recent discoveries in the underlying mechanisms governing root ontogeny and discusses some recent key findings in developing of new biologically based dental therapies.
Topics: Female; Humans; Tooth Root; Odontogenesis; Epithelial Cells; Cell Differentiation; Biocompatible Materials
PubMed: 38001110
DOI: 10.1038/s41368-023-00258-9 -
Current Issues in Molecular Biology Dec 2023The embryonic development of neural crest cells and subsequent tissue differentiation are intricately regulated by specific transcription factors. Among these, , a... (Review)
Review
The embryonic development of neural crest cells and subsequent tissue differentiation are intricately regulated by specific transcription factors. Among these, , a member of the gene family, stands out. Located on chromosome 22q13, the gene encodes a transcription factor crucial for the differentiation, migration, and maintenance of tissues derived from neural crest cells. It plays a pivotal role in developing various tissues, including the central and peripheral nervous systems, melanocytes, chondrocytes, and odontoblasts. Mutations in have been associated with congenital disorders such as Waardenburg-Shah Syndrome, PCWH syndrome, and Kallman syndrome, underscoring its clinical significance. Furthermore, SOX10 is implicated in neural and neuroectodermal tumors, such as melanoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), and schwannomas, influencing processes like proliferation, migration, and differentiation. In mesenchymal tumors, SOX10 expression serves as a valuable marker for distinguishing between different tumor types. Additionally, SOX10 has been identified in various epithelial neoplasms, including breast, ovarian, salivary gland, nasopharyngeal, and bladder cancers, presenting itself as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker. However, despite these associations, further research is imperative to elucidate its precise role in these malignancies.
PubMed: 38132479
DOI: 10.3390/cimb45120633 -
Journal of Dental Research Dec 2023Vital pulp therapy and root canal therapy (RCT) are the dominant treatment for irreversible pulpitis. While the success rate of these procedures is favorable, they have...
Vital pulp therapy and root canal therapy (RCT) are the dominant treatment for irreversible pulpitis. While the success rate of these procedures is favorable, they have some limitations. For instance, RCT leads to removing significant dentin in the coronal third of the tooth that increases root-fracture risk, which forces tooth removal. The ideal therapeutic goal is dental pulp regeneration, which is not achievable with RCT. Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) are well known for inflammatory resolution. The resolution of inflammation and tissue restoration or regeneration is a dynamic and continuous process. SPMs not only have potent immune-modulating functions but also effectively promote tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Resolvins have been shown to promote dental pulp regeneration. The purpose of this study was to explore further the cellular target of Resolvin E1 (RvE1) therapy in dental pulp regeneration and the impact of RvE1 in infected pulps. We investigated the actions of RvE1 on experimentally exposed pulps with or without microbial infection in an ; genetically defined mouse model. Our results showed RvE1 promoted Axin2-tdTomato cell expansion and odontoblastic differentiation after direct pulp capping in the mouse, which we used to mimic reversible pulpitis cases in the clinic. In cultured mouse dental pulp stem cells (mDPSCs), RvE1 facilitated Axin2-tdTomato cell proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation and also rescued impaired functions after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. In infected pulps exposed to the oral environment for 24 h, RvE1 suppressed inflammatory infiltration, reduced bacterial invasion in root canals, and prevented the development of apical periodontitis, while its proregenerative impact was limited. Collectively, topical treatment with RvE1 facilitated dental pulp regenerative properties by promoting Axin2-expressing cell proliferation and differentiation. It also modulated the resolution of inflammation, reduced infection severity, and prevented apical periodontitis, presenting RvE1 as a novel therapeutic for treating endodontic diseases.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Pulpitis; Dental Pulp; Periapical Periodontitis; Inflammation; Bacteria; Regeneration; Axin Protein
PubMed: 37837227
DOI: 10.1177/00220345231197156 -
International Journal of Oral Science Aug 2023The biomolecular mechanisms that regulate tooth root development and odontoblast differentiation are poorly understood. We found that Atp6i deficient mice (Atp6i)...
The biomolecular mechanisms that regulate tooth root development and odontoblast differentiation are poorly understood. We found that Atp6i deficient mice (Atp6i) arrested tooth root formation, indicated by truncated Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) progression. Furthermore, Atp6i deficiency significantly reduced the proliferation and differentiation of radicular odontogenic cells responsible for root formation. Atp6i mice had largely decreased expression of odontoblast differentiation marker gene expression profiles (Col1a1, Nfic, Dspp, and Osx) in the alveolar bone. Atp6i mice sample RNA-seq analysis results showed decreased expression levels of odontoblast markers. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in Smad2/3 activation, inhibiting transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling in Atp6i odontoblasts. Through treating pulp precursor cells with Atp6i or wild-type OC bone resorption-conditioned medium, we found the latter medium to promote odontoblast differentiation, as shown by increased odontoblast differentiation marker genes expression (Nfic, Dspp, Osx, and Runx2). This increased expression was significantly blocked by anti-TGF-β1 antibody neutralization, whereas odontoblast differentiation and Smad2/3 activation were significantly attenuated by Atp6i OC conditioned medium. Importantly, ectopic TGF-β1 partially rescued root development and root dentin deposition of Atp6i mice tooth germs were transplanted under mouse kidney capsules. Collectively, our novel data shows that the prevention of TGF-β1 release from the alveolar bone matrix due to OC dysfunction may lead to osteopetrosis-associated root formation via impaired radicular odontoblast differentiation. As such, this study uncovers TGF-β1 /Smad2/3 as a key signaling pathway regulating odontoblast differentiation and tooth root formation and may contribute to future therapeutic approaches to tooth root regeneration.
Topics: Female; Animals; Mice; Transforming Growth Factor beta1; Odontoblasts; Culture Media, Conditioned; Cell Differentiation; Signal Transduction; Disease Models, Animal; Tooth Root
PubMed: 37599332
DOI: 10.1038/s41368-023-00235-2 -
Stem Cell Research & Therapy Jul 2023Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) play a crucial role in dentin-pulp complex regeneration. Further understanding of the mechanism by which DPSCs remain in a quiescent state...
BACKGROUND
Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) play a crucial role in dentin-pulp complex regeneration. Further understanding of the mechanism by which DPSCs remain in a quiescent state could contribute to improvements in the dentin-pulp complex and dentinogenesis.
METHODS
TSC1 conditional knockout (DMP1-Cre+; TSC1, hereafter CKO) mice were generated to increase the activity of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1). H&E staining, immunofluorescence and micro-CT analysis were performed with these CKO mice and littermate controls. In vitro, exosomes were collected from the supernatants of MDPC23 cells with different levels of mTORC1 activity and then characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. DPSCs were cocultured with MDPC23 cells and MDPC23 cell-derived exosomes. Alizarin Red S staining, ALP staining, qRT‒PCR, western blotting analysis and micro-RNA sequencing were performed.
RESULTS
Our study showed that mTORC1 activation in odontoblasts resulted in thicker dentin and higher dentin volume/tooth volume of molars, and it increased the expression levels of the exosome markers CD63 and Alix. In vitro, when DPSCs were cocultured with MDPC23 cells, odontoblastic differentiation was inhibited. However, the inhibition of odontoblastic differentiation was reversed when DPSCs were cocultured with MDPC23 cells with mTORC1 overactivation. To further study the effects of mTORC1 on exosome release from odontoblasts, MDPC23 cells were treated with rapamycin or shRNA-TSC1 to inactivate or activate mTORC1, respectively. The results revealed that exosome release from odontoblasts was negatively correlated with mTORC1 activity. Moreover, exosomes derived from MDPC23 cells with active or inactive mTORC1 inhibited the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs at the same concentration. miRNA sequencing analysis of exosomes that were derived from shTSC1-transfected MDPC23 cells, rapamycin-treated MDPC23 cells or nontreated MDPC23 cells revealed that the majority of the miRNAs were similar among these groups. In addition, exosomes derived from odontoblasts inhibited the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs, and the inhibitory effect was positively correlated with exosome concentration.
CONCLUSION
mTORC1 regulates exosome release from odontoblasts to inhibit the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs, but it does not alter exosomal contents. These findings might provide a new understanding of dental pulp complex regeneration.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Odontoblasts; Extracellular Matrix Proteins; Dental Pulp; Exosomes; Cell Differentiation; Stem Cells; Cells, Cultured
PubMed: 37422687
DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03401-9