Biochemistry & Physiology: Open Access
Open Access

Gingiva; Dental follicles; Stemness; Gene expression; Children; Regenerative medicine; Gingival mesenchymal stem cells; Dental follicle stem cells; Tissue regeneration; Dental treatments

Introduction

Stem cells hold immense potential for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, with applications ranging from dental therapies to various other medical fields. In recent years, researchers have focused on exploring the stemness and gene expression profiles of different dental tissues, including the gingiva and dental follicles in children. Understanding the unique properties of these tissues can shed light on their regenerative capabilities and aid in developing novel therapeutic approaches [1]. This article explores the stemness and gene expression characteristics of gingiva and dental follicles in children and their implications for future dental treatments. The dental follicle tissue is a connective fibrous tissue sac surrounding the enamel organ and the dental papilla of the developing tooth germ. The DF cells have been proposed to have the capacity to differentiate into periodontium consisting of cementum, alveolar bone, and PDL. Despite an ectomesenchymal origin similar to that of the DFs, the gingiva appears to exhibit distinct functional activities during the maintenance of tissue integrity and during inflammatory responses. It possesses a unique scarless healing process after wounding instead of the scar formation that is frequently observed in damaged extraoral tissues. So gingival tissue is postulated to have distinctive characteristics that accelerate wound closure, suggesting unique stemness with the ability to induce directed differentiation and regeneration [2].

Although some efforts were made to identify the genes that are differentially expressed in the periodontium the genetic differences between the gingiva and DFs remain unknown. Given the anatomical and functional differences between the two tissues, it is reasonable to assume that there are also differences in the gene expression patterns. Thus, genetic investigation related to epithelial-mesenchyme interaction between gingiva and dental follicle can provide critical importance in regulating cell population and signaling system in the regeneration of periodontium. The aim of this study is to compare the gene expression patterns of the gingiva and DFs to enhance our understanding of the distinct regenerative ability in gingiva and tissue differentiation capacity in DFs [3].

A resilient oral tissue

The gingiva, commonly known as the gum, plays a vital role in protecting the underlying structures of teeth and supporting oral health. The gingival tissue exhibits a remarkable ability to heal and regenerate, attributed to the presence of stem cells. Stem cells in the gingiva possess self-renewal and multilineage differentiation capabilities, enabling them to differentiate into various cell types such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and fibroblasts. These cells are known as gingival mesenchymal stem cells. GMSCs can be easily obtained from gingival biopsies, making them an attractive source for regenerative therapies [4].

Stemness and gene expression of gingival mesenchyme stem cells

Studies have shown that GMSCs possess several characteristics of stemness, including high proliferation rates, clonogenicity, and multipotency. The expression of specific genes associated with stemness, such as Oct-4, Sox-2, and Nanog, has been identified in GMSCs. These genes play crucial roles in maintaining the undifferentiated state and self-renewal capacity of stem cells. Additionally, GMSCs have shown an enhanced immunomodulatory potential, making them particularly promising for treating inflammatory oral diseases [5].

Dental follicles: a potential source of stem cells

The dental follicle is a transient structure that surrounds the developing tooth germ in children. This tissue contains a diverse population of cells, including dental follicle stem cells. DFSCs are considered a valuable source of stem cells due to their ability to differentiate into various dental cell lineages, such as odontoblasts, cementoblasts, and periodontal ligament cells. These cells can be obtained from extracted teeth during routine dental procedures, providing a non-invasive and easily accessible source of stem cells.

Stemness and gene expression of dental follicle stem cells

DFSCs have demonstrated characteristics similar to those of other mesenchymal stem cells, including self-renewal and multilineage differentiation potential. They express key stemness-associated genes such as Oct-4, Sox-2, and SSEA-4. Furthermore, DFSCs have been shown to have immunomodulatory properties, suggesting their potential application in the treatment of inflammatory dental and periodontal conditions. Research is ongoing to decipher the specific gene expression patterns that govern the stemness and differentiation of DFSCs, allowing for more targeted therapies and regenerative approaches [6].

Implications for dental treatments and regenerative medicine

The stemness and gene expression profiles of gingiva and dental follicles in children offer promising prospects for future dental treatments and regenerative medicine. Harnessing the regenerative potential of GMSCs and DFSCs can lead to innovative approaches for treating various dental conditions, including periodontal diseases, dental trauma, and congenital dental anomalies. Additionally, these cells hold potential for bioengineering tooth structures and developing personalized dental therapies. By understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying stemness and gene expression, researchers can unlock the full therapeutic potential of these dental tissues and pave the way for transformative advancements in dental healthcare [7].

Discussion

Regenerative potential of gingiva and dental Follicles

The gingiva and dental follicles in children exhibit remarkable regenerative potential due to the presence of stem cells. Gingival mesenchymal stem cells and dental follicle stem cells possess the ability to differentiate into multiple cell lineages essential for tissue regeneration, including osteoblasts, cementoblasts, and fibroblasts. This regenerative capacity makes these tissues promising sources for developing regenerative therapies in dentistry.

Stemness characteristics of GMSCs and DFSCs

Both GMSCs and DFSCs display important stemness characteristics, including self-renewal, clonogenicity, and multipotency. These properties enable these stem cells to proliferate and differentiate into various cell types, contributing to tissue repair and regeneration. The expression of key transcription factors like Oct-4, Sox-2, and Nanog is indicative of the undifferentiated state and self-renewal capacity of these stem cells.

Gene expression profiles and signaling pathways

Investigating the gene expression profiles of GMSCs and DFSCs can provide insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms governing their stemness and differentiation capabilities. By analyzing specific genes and signaling pathways, researchers can understand the regulatory networks involved in maintaining the stem cell characteristics and directing their differentiation into specific lineages [8 ].

Clinical applications and therapeutic potential

The knowledge gained from studying the stemness and gene expression of gingiva and dental follicles in children has significant implications for dental treatments and regenerative medicine. Harnessing the regenerative potential of GMSCs and DFSCs opens up possibilities for novel therapeutic approaches in various dental conditions, such as periodontal diseases, dental trauma, and congenital dental anomalies.

Non-invasive and accessible sources

An advantage of utilizing GMSCs and DFSCs for regenerative therapies is their accessibility. GMSCs can be obtained from gingival biopsies, which are relatively non-invasive procedures. DFSCs, on the other hand, can be harvested from extracted teeth during routine dental procedures. This ease of access facilitates the collection of these stem cells for research purposes and potential clinical applications [9 ].

Future directions and challenges

Further research is necessary to fully understand the complex mechanisms underlying the stemness and gene expression of gingiva and dental follicles. Characterizing additional genes, signaling pathways, and epigenetic modifications involved in stem cell regulation will enhance our understanding of these tissues’ regenerative potential. Moreover, optimizing techniques for isolation, expansion, and differentiation of GMSCs and DFSCs will be crucial for their effective clinical translation [10].

Conclusion

The stemness and gene expression characteristics of gingiva and dental follicles in children highlight their significant regenerative potential. Gingival mesenchymal stem cells and dental follicle stem cells exhibit crucial properties of stemness and possess the ability to differentiate into multiple cell lineages. Their accessibility and regenerative capabilities make them promising candidates for future dental therapies and regenerative medicine applications. Continued research and exploration of these unique dental tissues will undoubtedly contribute to the development of innovative treatment modalities and enhance oral health outcomes for children and adults alike.

Conflict of Interest

None

Acknowledgement

None

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