MSCs feeder layers induce SMG self-organization and branching morphogenesis.

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Biology
• Oral Biology

Background:

• Salivary gland dysfunction causes oral health issues like caries and infections.
• Current treatments for salivary gland dysfunction are often inadequate.
• Organ regeneration using tissue stem cells shows promise but requires suitable cell sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can induce salivary epithelial branching.
• To explore MSCs as a potential cell source for salivary gland regeneration.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 2D cultures to assess MSCs' effect on embryonic submandibular salivary gland (SMG) epithelium branching.
• Cultured SMG epithelial progenitor cells with MSCs to form 3D salivary organoids.
• Evaluated the dependency of branching enhancement on MSC numbers.

Main Results:

• MSCs supported the branching of SMG epithelium in 2D cultures.
• The degree of branching enhancement by MSCs was dose-dependent.
• MSCs facilitated the self-assembly of SMG epithelial progenitors into patterned 3D organoids.

Conclusions:

• Bone marrow derived MSCs are a viable cell source for inducing salivary epithelial branching.
• MSCs show potential as feeder cells in future salivary gland regeneration strategies.
• This research provides a foundation for developing novel therapies for salivary gland dysfunction.