Characteristics and Tissue Regeneration Properties of Gingiva-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have 2 specific characteristics: self-renewal and multi- or pluripotency. Extensive studies have demonstrated the regenerative capability of MSCs both in vitro and in vivo. Gingiva-derived MSCs (GMSCs) represent a unique population of MSCs that can be easily isolated and obtained. GMSCs, which maintain a normal karyotype and telomerase activity in long-term cultures, display a stable phenotype and rapidly proliferate in vitro. In addition, GMSCs can be induced to differentiate into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages. Therefore, GMSCs are a promising alternative cell source for tissue regeneration in dentistry. In this article we review studies of the characterization, differentiation capacities, and regenerative role of GMSCs derived from the gingiva of humans and other species, focusing on the mechanisms of differentiation and tissue regeneration of human GMSCs. We anticipate that GMSC-based therapies will significantly contribute to regenerative medicine for the treatment of human dental diseases and improve human health.