Importance of In Vitro Microenvironment on Differentiation and Translational Applications of Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Abstract

Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs) are adult stem cells found in dental pulp tissue, and possess the capacity for self-renewal and the potential for multipotent differentiation. DPSCs depend on regulating in vitro microenvironment, and can readily differentiate into osteoblasts, odontoblasts, neurocytes, adipocytes, chondrocytes, myocytes, fibrocytes and many others. In addition, DPSCs play a crucial role in tooth regeneration, bone and nerve repair in current studies of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Among them, the influences of stem cell microenvironment or niche on the biological activity of DPSCs are critical and hamper its progress. Herein, we review the influence of culture condition, tissue source, growth factor requirements, and cellular organizational scaffolds and how these features influence the biological characteristics and translational research of DPSCs.