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Two studies appearing in a recent issue of Cell Transplantation (20:11-12), now freely available on-line*, evaluate stem cells derived from dental tissues for characteristics that may make themtherapeutically useful and appropriate for transplantationpurposes. 1. Induced pluripotent stem cells from immature dental pulp stemcells A Brazilian and American team of researchers used human immaturedental pulp stem cells (IDPSCs) as an alternative source forcreating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), stem cells thatcan be derived from several kinds of adult tissues. According tothe study authors, production of iPSCs "opens new opportunities forincreased understanding of human genetic diseases andembryogenesis" and will likely have a "great impact on future drugscreening and toxicology tests." The authors note, however, that the reprogramming methodology formaking iPSCs is relatively new and "needs refining" in terms oftechnique, efficiency and cell type choice. The researchers report that they easily, and in a short time frame,programmed human immature dental pulp stem cells into iPSCs withthe hallmarks of pluripotent stem cells. "Human IDPSCs can be easily derived from dental pulp extracted fromadult or 'baby teeth' during routine dental visits," said studylead author Dr. Patricia C.B. Beltrao-Braga of the highly rankedNational Institute of Science and Technology in Stem and CellTherapy in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. "hIDPSCs are immunologicallyprivileged and can be used in the absence of any immune suppressionprotocol and have valuable cell therapy applications, includingreconstruction of large cranial defects." 2. Human dental cells analyzed for telomere length, telomeraseactivity A research team from the Republic of Korea has isolated apopulation of stem cells derived from dental tissues of thirdmolars and found that human dental papilla stem cells (DPaSCs;dental papilla develops into dentin and dental pulp) havebiological features similar to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stemcells (MSCs) in terms of telomere length, telomerase activity andreverse transcriptase (Rtase) activity. MSCs, one of the most studied and clinically important populationsof adult stem cells, do have shortcomings associated with theirisolation and expansion from bone marrow, said study lead authorDr. Gyu-Jin Rho of the College of Veterinary Medicine, GyeongsangNational University, Republic of Korea. "The role of telomere and telomerase are critical biologicalfeatures of normal tissue stem and progenitor cells," said Dr. Rho."Telomeres are a specialized region of repetitive DNA, and telomereshortening is related to cellular life span. Lack of telomeraseindicates cellular aging. We compared the telomere length andtelomerase activity in DPaSCs with those in MSCs and found thatDPaSCs possessed ideal characteristics on telomere length,telomerase activity and reverse transcriptase activity, makingDPaSCs suitable alternative candidates for regenerative medicine." The researchers concluded that DPaSCs could provide a source ofstem cells for tooth regeneration and repair as well as a widerange of regenerative medicine applications in humans. "These two studies highlight the potential value of two populationsof stem cells that can be derived from the immature dental pulp andpapilla of teeth" said Dr. Shinn-Zong Lin, professor ofNeurosurgery and superintendent at the China Medical UniversityHospital, Beigang, Taiwan. "Their MSC-like abilities, ease oftransformation to induced pluripotent stem cells, and ease ofavailability make them a potentially valuable cell therapy". Additional References Citations. We are high quality suppliers, our products such as China CNC Engraving Machine , Contour Cutting Plotter Manufacturer for oversee buyer. To know more, please visits Contour Cutting Plotter.
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