Stem cells from human-exfoliated deciduous teeth can regenerate central nervous system

我们研究了成人智齿（DPSC）和脱落乳牙（SHED）牙髓干细胞的多分化能力、表型标记表达和转录组谱。数据显示，表达多种神经谱系标志物的SHED和DPSC均能分化神经元、星形胶质细胞、少突胶质细胞、成骨细胞、脂肪细胞和软骨细胞。此外，我们优化了方案，使SHED和DPSC特异性分化为表达多巴胺能神经元的酪氨酸羟化酶。在临床前分析中，我们发现SHED和DPSC治疗脊髓损伤、缺氧脑损伤和帕金森病的疗效显著。除了其显著的神经再生活性外，我们没有观察到移植的细胞在植入8周后的恶性转化。从脱落的乳牙和阻生的成人智齿中可以获得细胞和DPSCs，而不会对健康产生不良影响。因此，关于它们的临床应用很少有伦理问题。我们认为牙源性干细胞可能是治疗各种中枢神经系统疾病的一种极好的实用细胞资源。

We have characterized the multi-differentiation potency, phenotypic marker expression and trascriptome profile of dentalpulp derived stem cell from adult wisdom teeth (DPSC) and exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). The data showed that both SHED and DPSC expressing multiple neural linage markers are able to differentiate neuron, astrocyte, oligodendrocyte, osteoblast, adipocyte and chondrocytes. Furthermore, we have optimized the protocol allowing a specific differentiation of SHED and DPSC to tyrosine hydroxylase expressing dopaminerigic neurons. In pre-clinical analysis, we have found remarkable therapeutic benefits of SHED and DPSC for treatment of spinal cord injury, hypoxic brain injury and Parkinson’s disease. In addition to their remarkable neuro-regenerative activities, we did not observe the malignant transformation of engrafted SHEDs 8 weeks after theirimplantation. SHEDs and DPSCs can be obtained from exfoliated deciduous and impacted adult wisdom teeth without adverse health effects. Thus, there are few ethical concerns regarding their clinical use. We propose that tooth-derived stem cells may be an excellent and practical cellular resource for the treatment of various CNS diseases.