Stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAP)

Stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAP) are a unique population of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) located in the soft tissue at the tips of developing tooth roots, known as the apical papilla. These cells are essential for the formation of root dentin and the completion of root development (apexogenesis) in immature permanent teeth. SCAPs exhibit high proliferative potential, self-renewal, and multilineage differentiation capacity, being able to form odontoblasts, osteoblasts, adipocytes, and even neural-like cells under specific inductive conditions. In clinical practice, they are the primary target for regenerative endodontic procedures, where they are recruited to the root canal to restore pulp vitality and promote continued root maturation following trauma or infection. Their behavior is modulated by various signaling molecules, including growth factors like bFGF and VEGF, and they express specific surface markers such as STRO-1, CD146, and CD24.

Other names

SCAPsStem cells from the apical papillaApical papilla stem cells

Modulation of cell signaling pathways (e.g., FGF, VEGF, and Notch signaling) to promote proliferation, migration, and multilineage differentiation into odontoblasts, osteoblasts, or neural-like cells.