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Author Spotlight: Advancing Tissue Regeneration and Disease Modeling with Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Published on: May 5, 2023
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Histone Acetylation as a Regenerative Target in the Dentine-Pulp Complex
Yukako Yamauchi1, Paul Roy Cooper2, Emi Shimizu3
1Division of Restorative Dentistry & Periodontology, Dublin Dental University Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Frontiers in Genetics
|March 3, 2020
Summary
Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) show promise for dental pulp regeneration by promoting stem cell differentiation and releasing reparative factors. This approach could offer a less invasive alternative to root canal treatment for damaged teeth.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Dental Research
Background:
- Dental caries can lead to irreversible pulpitis and pulp death, often necessitating root canal treatment (RCT).
- Current dental materials have limitations in promoting the regeneration of the dentine-pulp complex.
- Epigenetic regulation by histone deacetylases (HDAC) influences dental stem cell (DSC) behavior in tooth development and repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of histone acetylation in regulating DSC populations.
- To highlight the significance of HDAC in tooth development and pulp regenerative-mineralization.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) for stimulating pulp regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on histone acetylation, HDAC activity, and DSCs.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies on HDAC inhibition in dental pulp cells.
- Discussion of the mechanisms by which HDACi influences mineralization and releases bioactive components.
Main Results:
- HDAC inhibition (HDACi) promotes mineralization in dental pulp cells.
- Low concentrations of HDACi can induce DSC de-differentiation and subsequent accelerated differentiation and mineralization.
- HDACi solutions can release dentine matrix components (DMCs) rich in growth factors, stimulating angiogenesis, neurogenesis, and mineralization.
Conclusions:
- Histone acetylation is a key regulator of dental stem cell populations and mineralization processes.
- HDACi represents a promising therapeutic strategy for regenerating the damaged dentine-pulp complex.
- Targeted application of HDACi in biomaterials could enhance regenerative endodontic treatments, potentially avoiding conventional root canal therapy.
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