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Stem cells and tissue engineering: prospects for regenerating tissues in dental practice
1Developmental Biology Research Program, Institute of Biotechnology, Viikki Biocenter, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. irma.thesleff@helsinki.fi
Summary
Future dental treatments may involve regenerating tissues using stem cells. Advances in stem cell research and developmental biology offer new possibilities for growing dental tissues like enamel, dentine, and even whole teeth.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Stem Cell Biology
- Dental Research
Background:
- Human tissue regeneration is generally limited.
- Stem cell research and tissue engineering are advancing rapidly.
- Stem cells are found in adult tissues, including teeth, and embryonic stem cells can form all tissue types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of stem cells and tissue engineering for future dental applications.
- To highlight the progress in understanding the molecular regulation of dental tissue development.
Main Methods:
- Culturing embryonic stem cells.
- Producing stem cells from adult cells via nuclear transfer.
- Investigating molecular and genetic regulation of dental tissue development.
Main Results:
- Identification of specific signal molecules regulating tooth and bone development from progenitor cells.
- Current use of this knowledge for in vitro and in vivo dentoalveolar tissue generation.
Conclusions:
- Stem cell research and developmental biology offer promising future applications in dentistry.
- The potential exists to regenerate dental tissues such as enamel, dentine, periodontal ligament, bone, or entire teeth for patients.