Regeneration of pulpo-dentinal-like complex by a group of unique multipotent CD24a positive stem cells

In this study, through three-dimensional spheroid culture, a group of unique multipotent stem cells were identified from mouse dental papilla, called multipotent dental pulp-regenerative stem cells (MDPSCs). MDPSCs exhibited enhanced osteo/odontogenic differentiation capabilities and could form regenerative dentin and neurovascular-like structures that mimicked the native teeth in vivo. Further analysis revealed that CD24a was the bona fide marker for MDPSCs and their expansion was highly dependent on the expression of a key transcriptional factor Sp7. Finally, CD24a positive cells could be detected in primary dental papilla in mice and human, suggesting MDPSCs resided in their native niches. Together, our study has identified a novel group of multipotent pulpregenerative stem cells with defined molecular markers for the potential treatment of pulpitis and pulp necrosis. Overall design: Three group of cells (every group in triplicate) including monolayer cells, DPC Spheres and DPC P2 mRNA profiles were sequenced.