Isolation and characterization of postnatal stem cells from human dental tissues

It was reported that postnatal stem cells are present in adult tissues such as bone marrow, liver, muscle, dental pulp, and periodontal ligament. We isolated postnatal stem cells from human dental tissues such as dental pulp (DPSC), periodontal ligament (PDLSC), periapical follicle (PAFSC), and the surrounding mandibular bone marrow (MBMSC) to ascertain their properties. Immunocytochemistry proved the existence of stem cells in these cell populations using STRO-1 as a stem cell marker. These cells also expressed the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) markers CD29 and CD44. The isolated cells showed self-renewal capabilities and colony-forming efficiency. Almost all of the dental stem cells showed optimal growth when they were cultured in alpha modification of Eagle's medium (alpha-MEM) supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) and 100 microM ascorbic acid. Only the PAFSC showed increased proliferation in 20% FCS and 50 microM ascorbic acid. All of the dental stem cells were capable of differentiating into adipocytes and mineral nodule forming cells. MBMSC, in particular, showed much better mineralization compared to the others. These results indicate that MSCs exist in various tissues of the teeth and can differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes, and other kinds of cells with varying efficiency.