Angiogenic regulation of dental pulp stem cells

Tissue regeneration relies on the ingrowth of blood vessels from the host for the survival and functionalization of regenerated tissues. Any holdup in this process can threaten the viability of the transplanted progenitor cells, which in turn can hinder effective tissue regeneration. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a promising candidate cell source for dental pulp regeneration due to their potential for odontogenic and endothelial differentiation, as well as angiogenic properties. This narrative review examines the mechanisms by which DPSCs regulate angiogenesis. DPSCs modulate angiogenesis through multiple mechanisms: direct differentiation into endothelial cells, paracrine secretion of angiogenic growth factors, and functioning as mural cells to stabilise the nascent vasculature formed. Furthermore, the physical and biological interaction between DPSCs and extracellular matrices modulate the process of angiogenesis. The primary focus is on the intricate, multifaceted aspects of dental pulp regeneration; however, broader aspects of general tissue regeneration were also highlighted. The angiogenic modulation by DPSCs holds significant potential for the formulation of strategies that integrate pro-angiogenic scaffolds and signalling molecules to address the challenges associated with dental pulp tissue regeneration.