Stem cell sources for tooth regeneration: current status and future prospects

Keishi Otsu,Mika Kumakami-Sakano,Hervé Lesot,Kazuko Kikuchi,Laetitia Keller,Hidemitsu Harada,Naoki Fujiwara

doi:10.3389/fphys.2014.00036

Keishi Otsu, Mika Kumakami-Sakano + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2014.00036

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Abstract

Stem cells are capable of renewing themselves through cell division and have the remarkable ability to differentiate into many different types of cells. They therefore have the potential to become a central tool in regenerative medicine. During the last decade, advances in tissue engineering and stem cell-based tooth regeneration have provided realistic and attractive means of replacing lost or damaged teeth. Investigation of embryonic and adult (tissue) stem cells as potential cell sources for tooth regeneration has led to many promising results. However, technical and ethical issues have hindered the availability of these cells for clinical application. The recent discovery of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells has provided the possibility to revolutionize the field of regenerative medicine (dentistry) by offering the option of autologous transplantation. In this article, we review the current progress in the field of stem cell-based tooth regeneration and discuss the possibility of using iPS cells for this purpose.

Highlights

Teeth consist of multiple hard tissues, including enamel, dentin, and cementum, and have an integrated attachment complex with alveolar bone through the periodontal ligament
Because tooth development is characterized by a sequential reciprocal epithelial–mesenchymal interaction between oral epithelial and neural crest (NC)-derived dental ectomesenchymal cells (Thesleff and Sharpe, 1997), numerous studies have attempted to find an optimal source of stem cells that have the potential to differentiate into these cells or their progeny
We focus on the important previous findings in the study of tooth regeneration using stem cells and discuss the potential of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells for tooth regeneration in light of recent results obtained by our group

Summary

Introduction

Teeth consist of multiple hard tissues, including enamel, dentin, and cementum, and have an integrated attachment complex with alveolar bone through the periodontal ligament. Because tooth development is characterized by a sequential reciprocal epithelial–mesenchymal interaction between oral epithelial and neural crest (NC)-derived dental ectomesenchymal cells (Thesleff and Sharpe, 1997), numerous studies have attempted to find an optimal source of stem cells that have the potential to differentiate into these cells or their progeny.

Results

Conclusion