Regulation and differentiation potential of dental mesenchymal stem cells

Published Online: 26 MAR 2013This chapter summarizes the regulatory factors that influence the differentiation potential of dental mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), including dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs), periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), dental follicle cells (DFCs), stem cells from root apical papilla (SCAPs), and gingival-derived MSCs (GMSCs). Dental MSCs can be differentiated into multiple lineages and are summarized in a table. Studies have shown that several molecules are involved in the regulation of dental MSC differentiation. This chapter also focuses on the major signaling pathways involved in the modulation of differentiation potential in dental MSCs. In conclusion, the dental MSC differentiation is regulated intensively at the cellular, molecular, and transcriptional levels. © 2013 Wiley-Blackwell.Lei Wang, Christian Morsczeck, Stan Gronthos, Songtao Sh