Abstract
A new source of mesenchymal stem cells has recently been discovered, the so-called dental pulp derived stem cells (DPSCs) which therefore could represent potentially tools for regenerative medicine. DPSC originate from the neural crest and are physiologically involved in dentin homeostasis; moreover, they contribute to bone remodeling and differentiation into several tissues including cartilage, bone, adipose and nervous tissues. DPSCs have also been shown to influence the angiogenesis process, for example through the release of secretory factors or by differentiating into vascular and/or perivascular cells. Angiogenesis, that has a pivotal role in tissue regeneration and repair, is defined as the formation of new vessels from preexisting vessels and is mediated by mutual and reciprocal interactions between endothelial cells and perivascular cells. It is also known that co-cultures of perivascular and endothelial cells (ECs) can form a vascular network in vitro and also in vivo. Since DPSCs seem to have characteristics similar to pericytes, understanding the possible mechanism of interaction between DPSCs and ECs during neo-angiogenesis is dramatically important for the development of advanced clinical application in the field of regeneration.Graphical abstract
Highlights
The stem cell is defined as a primitive, non-specialized cell with the ability to transform itself into different cytotypes through a process called “cell differentiation”
As demonstrated by Dissanayaka et al DPSCs seem able to triggering angiogenesis secreting Vascular-Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) that is rapidly utilized by the Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to activate signaling for migration and vascular structure formation [61]
They demonstrate, in a murine subcutaneous implantation model, even though in contrast with the previous paradigm, that the secretion of VEGF, the major regulator of angiogenesis, is promoted mainly by primary human macrophages (M1). They show that M2 macrophages secrete the highest levels of Platelet-derived Growth Factor-BB (PDGF-BB), an important factor acting as a chemoattractant and in stabilizing pericytes, and promote anastomosis of sprouting endothelial cells in vitro and secrete other proteases involved in vascular remodeling [77]
Summary
The stem cell is defined as a primitive, non-specialized cell with the ability to transform itself into different cytotypes through a process called “cell differentiation”. Several authors reported that DPSCs represent a potential new stem cell therapy for joint cartilage repair [16] This type of cell can undergo chondrogenic differentiation and secrete the growth factors involved in tissue repair and immunomodulation. Several authors confirmed by in vitro and in vivo studies that DPSCs stimulate osteogenesis and bone regeneration, showing a high proliferation rate, a good osteogenic differentiation potential, and favorable paracrine and immunomodulatory properties [19,20,21,22,23,24,25]. In addition to the differentiated capacities already known, recent studies have shown the differentiation of DPSCs into hepatocytes and insulin secreting beta cells [34]
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