Angiogenic potential of human dental pulp stromal (stem) cells
C Marchionni1, L Bonsi, F Alviano
1Department of Histology, Embryology and Applied Biology, University of Bologna, and Transfusion Medicine Service, S. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology
|October 14, 2009
Summary
Human dental pulp stem cells (DP-SCs) exhibit angiogenic potential, differentiating into vascular cells. This discovery offers new possibilities for tissue-engineered vascular grafts for ischemic tissues.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Vascular biology
- Tissue engineering
Background:
- Dental pulp harbors unipotent progenitor and pluripotent mesenchymal stem cells.
- Human dental pulp stromal cells (DP-SCs) possess a mesenchymal immunophenotype.
- DP-SCs demonstrate multipotency, differentiating into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the angiogenic differentiation potential of human dental pulp stromal cells (DP-SCs).
- To assess the expression of endothelial markers and cell morphology changes upon angiogenic induction.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry for immunophenotyping (CD29, CD44, CD73, CD105, CD166, CD14, CD34, CD45).
- RT-PCR analysis for Oct-4 expression.
- In vitro matrigel assay and cytometric analysis for angiogenic differentiation.
- 3-D fibrin mesh culture to evaluate capillary-like structure formation.
Main Results:
- DP-SCs expressed mesenchymal markers and Oct-4, which decreased after angiogenic induction.
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) induced DP-SC differentiation, increasing endothelial markers (Flt-1, KDR, ICAM-1, von Willebrand factor).
- VEGF-treated DP-SCs formed capillary-like structures in a 3-D fibrin mesh.
Conclusions:
- DP-SCs possess significant angiogenic potential, differentiating into endothelial-like cells.
- This angiogenic capacity positions DP-SCs as a valuable tool for developing tissue-engineered vascular grafts.
- Applications include enhancing vascularization in ischemic tissues.
