Molecules Inducing Dental Stem Cells Differentiation and Bone Regeneration: State of the Art

Teeth include mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are multipotent cells that promote tooth growth and repair. Dental tissues, specifically the dental pulp and the dental bud, constitute a relevant source of multipotent stem cells, known as dental-derived stem cells (d-DSCs): dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and dental bud stem cells (DBSCs). Cell treatment with bone-associated factors and stimulation with small molecule compounds are, among the available methods, the ones who show excellent advantages promoting stem cell differentiation and osteogenesis. Recently, attention has been paid to studies on natural and non-natural compounds. Many fruits, vegetables, and some drugs contain molecules that can enhance MSC osteogenic differentiation and therefore bone formation. The purpose of this review is to examine research work over the past 10 years that has investigated two different types of MSCs from dental tissues that are attractive targets for bone tissue engineering: DPSCs and DBSCs. The reconstruction of bone defects, in fact, is still a challenge and therefore more research is needed; the articles reviewed are meant to identify compounds useful to stimulate d-DSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. We only consider the results of the research which is encouraging, assuming that the mentioned compounds are of some importance for bone regeneration.

Automated summary

Teeth contain mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that promote tooth growth and repair. Dental-derived stem cells (d-DSCs), including dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and dental bud stem cells (DBSCs), have shown great potential in bone tissue engineering. The use of bone-associated factors and small molecular compounds has been found to enhance stem cell differentiation and osteogenesis. Natural and non-natural compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and drugs have also been explored for their ability to enhance MSC osteogenic differentiation and bone formation. This review focuses on the research conducted in the past decade on DPSCs and DBSCs, aiming to identify compounds that can stimulate d-DSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation for bone regeneration.