Single-Cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Dental Pulp and Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells
Y Yang1, T Alves2, M Z Miao2,3,4
1Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
Journal of Dental Research
|November 20, 2023
Summary
Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) exhibit distinct stemness heterogeneity. Their similarities and differences offer potential for targeted dental tissue regeneration therapies.
Area of Science:
- Dental tissue regeneration
- Stem cell biology
- Single-cell transcriptomics
Background:
- Periodontal, periapical, and pulpal tissue regeneration involves pluripotent stem cells.
- Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are distinct but can differentiate into similar cell types.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate cell heterogeneity in DPSCs and PDLSCs.
- To explore their differentiation potential for organ-specific functions using single-cell transcriptomic analysis.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell transcriptomic analysis was employed.
- Cellular heterogeneity and differentiation trajectories were identified.
- Cell cycle phases (G1, S, G2/M) were analyzed to assess proliferation capacity.
Main Results:
- Seven distinct cell clusters were identified, with cluster 3 showing high differentiation potential.
- Clusters 0-2 exhibited fibroblast-like features, with differentiation trajectories from cluster 3.
- PDLSCs showed higher G1 phase proportion (78.6%), while DPSCs had higher S and G2/M phase proportion (36.1%), indicating lower PDLSC proliferation capacity.
Conclusions:
- DPSCs and PDLSCs display heterogeneous stemness properties.
- Shared characteristics suggest potential for integrated regenerative strategies.
- Distinct features highlight organ-specific functions for targeted dental tissue repair and regeneration.
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