Dental pulp stem cells and odontoblasts (DPSC)

Odontoblasts are specialized, long-lived cells of mesenchymal origin that form a single layer at the periphery of the dental pulp, where they are responsible for the synthesis and mineralization of dentin throughout the life of a tooth (Goldberg et al., 2008). Pulp progenitor cells, specifically dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), are multipotent cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into odontoblast-like cells in response to environmental cues such as dental caries or mechanical trauma (Gronthos et al., 2000). These cells are central to regenerative endodontics, as they facilitate the formation of reparative dentin to protect the underlying pulp tissue from further insult. Therapeutic interventions, such as pulp capping, utilize bioactive materials like calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) to stimulate the recruitment and differentiation of these progenitors (Mohammadi & Dummer, 2011). While not a single molecular target, this cell population is the primary focus of therapies aimed at maintaining tooth vitality and promoting tissue repair. Challenges in targeting these cells include ensuring the controlled differentiation of progenitors and managing the inflammatory environment of the pulp to prevent necrosis (Parirokh & Torabinejad, 2010).

Other names

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSC)Dental pulp progenitor cellsOdontoblastsDental pulp mesenchymal stem cellsOdontoblast-like cells

Induction of mesenchymal stem cell differentiation into odontoblast-like cells and stimulation of reparative dentin secretion through the activation of signaling pathways such as BMP/Smad and MAPK.