[Odontoblast-like cell phenotype differentiation of cranial neural crest stem cell in vivo]

To investigate the feasibility of tooth regeneration by seeding cranial neural crest stem cell (CNCSC) in vivo.

Cranial neural tubes, dissected from mouse E9 d, were explanted onto fibronectin-coated dishes. CNCSC emigrated from the explanted neural tubes, and were cultured in a free-serum medium containing modified DMEM/F12. CNCSC, induced by FGF8, BMP2, TGFbeta1 and dentin matrix non-collagen protein (DMNCP), were cultured with collagen/chitosan, and implanted into the subcutaneous part of immunodeficiency mouse. The expression of collagen I/dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) was analyzed by immunocytochemistry.

With the scaffolds destroying, columnar cells possessing polarized nuclei and matrix produced by cells were showed in some regions. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that collagen type I and DSPP were expressed throughout the cytoplasm and matrix produced by cells.

By tissue engineering approach, our experiments further verify the odontoblast-like cell phenotype differentiation of CNCSC in vivo.