Phenotype heterogeneity in dental pulp stem niches

Abstract

Dental stem niches (DSNs) reside in different dental tissues, being of particular importance in tissue engineering and dental regeneration procedures. The present paper aims to review the DSNs from the view of niche inhabitants, either extrinsic, such as cells of the myeloid lineage, or intrinsic, such as endothelial cells, perivascular cells and spindle-shaped stromal cells, e.g., telocytes. DSNs harbor different dental stem÷progenitor cell morphologies, in different stages of differentiation and with various potentialities, the angiogenic potential with respect to regenerative endodontic procedures being emphasized here. It seems therefore important to consider the DSNs as being heterogeneous, for a better understanding of an accurate identification of niche team players in regenerative medicine.