Characterization of SSEA-3 Positive Cells Derived from Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells are known to exist in pulp tissue. However, the detailed characteristics of the stem cells have not been elucidated. Recently, the presence of novel Muse cells which has been reported. Researches mentioned that Muse cells exist in all mesenchymal tissues such as in the bone marrow, skin and adipose tissue. However, there is hardly any report regarding the existence of Muse cells in oral tissues. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to determine the presence of Muse cells in dental pulp tissue. About 0.5% of SSEA (Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigen)-3 positive cells were isolated from dental pulp cells by cell sorter. The isolated cells showed self-renewal ability in addition to expressing the genes representing the three germ layers. Furthermore, the isolated cells showed a high calcification ability when subjected to calcification-inducing medium. Calcification ability was shown using alkaline phosphatase staining, alizarin red staining and quantification of calcium. The results suggest that SSEA-3 positive cells derived from human dental pulp tissue are similar to Muse cells, highly capable of differentiating into osteogenic cells. Isolated these cells from the dental pulp tissue is highly advantageous since they are less invasive compared to other cells. Hence, the dental pulp tissue is envisioned to be the source of new cells beneficial in regenerative medicine.