Decoding the multifaceted signatures and transcriptomic characteristics of stem cells derived from apical papilla and dental pulp of human supernumerary teeth

Molecular Biological Comparison of Pulp Stem Cells from Supernumerary Teeth, Permanent Teeth, and Deciduous Teeth for Endodontic Regeneration

Supernumerary tooth-derived pulp stem cells (SNTSCs) hold promise for endodontic regeneration, yet little is known about the similarities and diversities of SNTSCs relative to other dental-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Herein, we compare the biological characteristics of SNTSCs with dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). Cell proliferation, migration, and odontogenic differentiation potential, as well as viability and aging-related phenotype after long-term storage, were evaluated. Additionally, gene expressions during induced odontogenic differentiation were profiled by transcriptome sequencing. Our findings indicated that the SNTSCs outperformed the DPSCs but were inferior to the SHED in cell proliferation. The SNTSCs exhibited comparable migratory capacity to the SHED and surpassed the DPSCs. Of particular interest, the odontogenic differentiation potential followed the pattern of SHED > SNTSCs > DPSCs. After two years of storage, the SNTSCs showed weakness in resistance to apoptosis induced by lipopolysaccharide, whereas difference between the SNTSCs and SHED in stemness and senescence was not obvious. Transcriptome analysis revealed that upregulated genes in the SNTSCs were particularly enriched in inflammatory signaling pathways compared to both the DPSCs and SHED. Collectively, SNTSCs share many satisfactory features in proliferation and differentiation with SHED, which may serve as a promising alternative cell source for endodontic regeneration.

Bridging the gap between omics research and dental practice

AIM

The burgeoning field of omics research has witnessed exponential growth in both medicine and dentistry. However, despite more than a decade of advancements, clinical dentistry, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), has seen limited progress in integrating omics-based approaches into routine practice. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the integration of omics approaches in dentistry, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for translating research findings into clinical practice.

METHODS

we conducted a literature review using key databases to provide a brief overview of the history of genomics in dentistry. Additionally, we summarised recent breakthroughs in omics relevant to oral health practitioners, emphasising the inadequate translation of omics research into clinical practice.

RESULTS

Despite significant growth in omics research in both medicine and dentistry, its translation into routine clinical practice in dentistry remains limited. We summarise recent breakthroughs in omics and highlight the gap between research advancements and clinical implementation.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The integration of omics approaches holds promise for enhancing diagnostics, personalised treatment strategies, and preventive measures in dental practice, ushering in a new era of precision oral healthcare. However, several challenges, including infrastructure limitations, cost-effectiveness, and education gaps, hinder the widespread adoption of omics-based approaches in clinical dentistry. A strong commitment to transforming dentistry is required to embrace this transition. This shift has the potential to revolutionise oral healthcare by advancing precision diagnostics and treatment strategies tailored to individual patient needs.