Key Markers and Epigenetic Modifications of Dental-derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: A Review

The oral region contains a variety of different mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) populations. Among the regenerative strategies, dental-derived MSCs based techniques have demonstrated particular promise. Several preclinical studies and clinical trials have been performed using dental-derived MSCs for the treatment of dental and non-dental diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune and orthopedic disorders. However, dental-derived MSCs exhibit variability among tissues of origin, individual donors, clonal subpopulations, and single cells. Variation in the regenerative potential among cells in dental-derived MSCs cultures may confound trial results and slow or arrest the translation of dental-derived MSCs therapy into clinical practice. Although variation is inevitable, our limited ability to detect and control heterogeneity poses challenges for the production of dental-derived MSCs therapies. Here, we reviewed the heterogeneity of dental-derived MSCs firstly and then discussed the key markers and epigenetic modifications related to the proliferation, differentiation, immunomodulation, and aging of dental-derived MSCs. These messages help to control the composition and function of dental-derived MSCs and thus accelerate the translation of cell therapy into clinical practice.