Cell Biology in Dentistry

A special issue of Biomedicines (ISSN 2227-9059). This special issue belongs to the section "Cell Biology and Pathology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2023) | Viewed by 36190

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Asahi University School of Dentistry, 1851-1, Hozumi, Mizuho, Gifu 501-0296, Japan
Interests: stem cells; cell therapy; pediatric dentistry
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Guest Editor
Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Oral Anatomy, Kyushu University Graduate School of Dental Science, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
Interests: stem cell; induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS cell); induced tissue specific stem cell (iTS cell); cell culture; dental pulp cells; tissue regeneration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The progress of cell biology in dentistry will greatly improve the level of dental care, based on the current state of accumulated knowledge. Cell-based treatments for some dental tissues will become more predictable along with recent advances in tissue engineering and our understanding of progenitor cell biology, overcoming the limitations of present therapeutic techniques. However, most studies are now focused on the characterization of mesenchymal stem cells, bone regeneration and periodontal regeneration. This Special Issue deals with various fields of oral biology, including dental tissue regeneration, dental tissue engineering, the characterization of dental-related stem cells and dental-related cell culture systems, as well as developmental biology and neurobiology in the human oral milieu.

Prof. Dr. Issei Saitoh
Prof. Dr. Takayoshi Yamaza
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • oral biology
  • tissue regeneration
  • dental tissue engineering
  • dental-related stem cells
  • dental-related cell culture system
  • cell biology in the oral milieu
  • dental pulp cells
  • dental progenitor cells

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Published Papers (14 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 11388 KiB  
Article
Human Periapical Odontogenic Granulomas: Aspects of Microvessel Density (MVD), Heterogeneity of Blood Vessels and Mast Cells Density (MCD)
by Ciprian Roi, Meda Lavinia Negruțiu, Alexandra Roi, Mircea Riviș, Ruxandra Elena Luca, Marius Raica, Raluca Amalia Ceaușu, Alexandru Cătălin Motofelea and Pușa Nela Gaje
Biomedicines 2023, 11(10), 2709; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11102709 - 5 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1406
Abstract
Periapical odontogenic granulomas are among the most encountered pathology that involve the alveolar bone, with severe consequences such as bone resorption, the presence of inflammatory infiltrate and the formation of abnormal vascularization. The present study aimed to quantify the existence of the microvessel [...] Read more.
Periapical odontogenic granulomas are among the most encountered pathology that involve the alveolar bone, with severe consequences such as bone resorption, the presence of inflammatory infiltrate and the formation of abnormal vascularization. The present study aimed to quantify the existence of the microvessel density (MVD), mast cell density (MCD) and heterogeneity of the encountered blood vessels. A total of 37 patients diagnosed with odontogenic periapical granulomas were included, and the gender distribution, age and localization of the pathological lesions was assessed. After the surgical removal of the periapical odontogenic granuloma, the collected tissue was fixed in 10% buffered formalin. Primary processing, morphological analysis and immunohistochemical staining was performed in order to characterize the altered tissue. The results outlined the presence of a high number of mast cells, especially in the area of the inflamed tissue; the high heterogeneity of the blood vessels; and increased MVD with positive CD34. The conclusions of the study focus on the key role of the mast cells and their implication in the initiation and development of the angiogenesis process, triggering the inflammatory response of the host. Nevertheless, periapical odontogenic granulomas develop as an inflammatory response to the interaction between the host’s immune system and microbial invasion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Biology in Dentistry)
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17 pages, 1864 KiB  
Article
The Proteomes of Oral Cells Change during Co-Cultivation with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Eikenella corrodens
by Boris Schminke, Philipp Kauffmann, Phillipp Brockmeyer, Nicolai Miosge, Christof Lenz and Andrea Schubert
Biomedicines 2023, 11(3), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11030700 - 24 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1633
Abstract
Background: Changes in the proteome of oral cells during periodontitis have rarely been investigated. This lack of information is partially attributed to the lack of human cell lines derived from the oral cavity for in vitro research. The objective of the present study [...] Read more.
Background: Changes in the proteome of oral cells during periodontitis have rarely been investigated. This lack of information is partially attributed to the lack of human cell lines derived from the oral cavity for in vitro research. The objective of the present study was to create cell lines from relevant oral tissues and compare protein expression in cells cultured alone and in cells co-cultivated with periodontitis-associated bacterial strains. Methods: We established human cell lines of gingival keratinocytes, osteoblastic lineage cells from the alveolar bone, periodontal ligament fibroblasts, and cementum cells. Using state-of-the-art label-free mass spectrometry, we investigated changes in the proteomes of these cells after co-cultivation with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Eikenella corrodens for 48 h. Results: Gingival keratinocytes, representing ectodermal cells, exhibited decreased expression of specific keratins, basement membrane components, and cell-cell contact proteins after cultivation with the bacterial strains. Mesodermal lineage cells generally exhibited similar proteomes after co-cultivation with bacteria; in particular, collagens and integrins were expressed at higher levels. Conclusions: The results of the present study will help us elucidate the cellular mechanisms of periodontitis. Although co-cultivation with two periodontitis-associated bacterial strains significantly altered the proteomes of oral cells, future research is needed to examine the effects of complex biofilms mimicking in vivo conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Biology in Dentistry)
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14 pages, 2626 KiB  
Article
Small Molecule GSK-3 Inhibitors Safely Promote the Proliferation and Viability of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells—In Vitro
by Samer Hanna, Riham Aly, Ghada Nour Eldeen, Alberto Adanero Velasco and Ruth Pérez Alfayate
Biomedicines 2023, 11(2), 542; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11020542 - 13 Feb 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2239
Abstract
Small molecules have demonstrated promising results as successful alternatives to growth factors. In this study, focus was drawn to CHIR99021 and tideglusib as GSK-3 inhibitors known for their anti-inflammatory and regenerative potential. The effect of both tideglusib and CHIR99021 on the proliferation, viability, [...] Read more.
Small molecules have demonstrated promising results as successful alternatives to growth factors. In this study, focus was drawn to CHIR99021 and tideglusib as GSK-3 inhibitors known for their anti-inflammatory and regenerative potential. The effect of both tideglusib and CHIR99021 on the proliferation, viability, and stemness of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) was investigated to assess their possible role in regenerative dentistry. Briefly, hDPSCs were isolated from sound premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes. Cytotoxicity and proliferation assessment were performed via cell counting kit-8 followed by flow cytometric analysis of apoptotic marker ANNEXIN V. The effect of both small molecules on the stemness of hDPSCs was analyzed by qRT-PCR. Both tideglusib and CHIR99021 were proven to be safe on hDPSCs. The tideglusib concentration that resulted in higher viable cells was 100 nM, while the concentration for CHIR99021 was 5 nM. Both small molecules successfully induced cellular proliferation and demonstrated minimal expression of ANNEXIN V, indicative of the absence of cellular apoptosis and further confirming their positive effect on proliferation. Finally, both small molecules enhanced stemness markers expression as evidenced by qRT-PCR, which, again, highlighted the positive effect of both tideglusib and CHIR99021 on safely promoting the proliferation of hDPSCs while maintaining their stemness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Biology in Dentistry)
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13 pages, 2290 KiB  
Article
Vertical Vibration of Mouse Osteoblasts Promotes Cellular Differentiation and Cell Cycle Progression and Induces Aging In Vitro
by Daehwan Choi, Takenobu Ishii, Munetada Ishikawa, Tomohisa Ootake, Hirokazu Kamei, Kohei Nagai and Kenji Sueishi
Biomedicines 2023, 11(2), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11020444 - 3 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1946
Abstract
Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the vibration of osteoblasts on the cell cycle, cell differentiation, and aging. Materials and Methods: Primary maxilla osteoblasts harvested from eight-week-old mice were subjected to vibration at 3, 30, and 300 Hz once daily [...] Read more.
Background: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the vibration of osteoblasts on the cell cycle, cell differentiation, and aging. Materials and Methods: Primary maxilla osteoblasts harvested from eight-week-old mice were subjected to vibration at 3, 30, and 300 Hz once daily for 30 min; control group, 0 Hz. A cell proliferation assay and Cell-Clock Cell Cycle Assay were performed 24 h after vibration. Osteoblast differentiation assay, aging marker genes, SA-β-Gal activity, and telomere length (qPCR) were assayed two weeks post- vibration once every two days. Results: Cell proliferation increased significantly at 30 and 300 Hz rather than 0 Hz. Several cells were in the late G2/M stage of the cell cycle at 30 Hz. The osteoblast differentiation assay was significantly higher at 30 Hz than at 0 Hz. Runx2 mRNA was downregulated at 30 Hz compared to that at 0 Hz, while osteopontin, osteocalcin, and sclerostin mRNA were upregulated. p53/p21, p16, and c-fos were activated at 30 Hz. SA-β-Gal activity increased significantly at 30 or 300 Hz. Telomere length was significantly lower at 30 or 300 Hz. Conclusions: The results suggest that providing optimal vibration to osteoblasts promotes cell cycle progression and differentiation and induces cell aging. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Biology in Dentistry)
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14 pages, 1704 KiB  
Article
Administration of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) to Induce Neural Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSC) Isolates
by Keegan Lott, Paris Collier, Marc Ringor, Katherine M. Howard and Karl Kingsley
Biomedicines 2023, 11(2), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11020255 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2464
Abstract
The aging populations in many countries have developed many chronic illnesses and diseases, including chronic neurologic conditions such as Parkinson’s and Azheimer’s diseases. Many new lines of research and treatment are focusing on the potential for neurologic regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) [...] Read more.
The aging populations in many countries have developed many chronic illnesses and diseases, including chronic neurologic conditions such as Parkinson’s and Azheimer’s diseases. Many new lines of research and treatment are focusing on the potential for neurologic regeneration using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in the rapidly growing field of regenerative medicine. This may include dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), which have recently been demonstrated to produce neuronal precursors. Based upon this evidence, the primary aim of this study was to determine if the growth factors used in MSC-based studies are sufficient to induce neuronal differentiation among DPSCs. Using an existing biorepository, n = 16 DPSC isolates were thawed and cultured for this study, which revealed several subpopulations of rapid-, intermediate-, and slowly dividing DPSCs. Administration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were sufficient to induce differential changes in growth and viability mainly among some of the rapidly growing DPSCs (n = 4). These phenotypic changes included expression of neural differentiation markers including Sox1, Pax6 and NF-M, which were observed only among those DPSC isolates not expressing early odontoblast-specific biomarkers such as ALP and DSPP. Future studies will be needed to confirm if these methods are sufficient to induce consistent and reliable induction of DPSCs towards neuronal specific differentiation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Biology in Dentistry)
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11 pages, 1305 KiB  
Article
Irradiation Alters the Expression of MUC1, CD44 and Hyaluronan in Oral Mucosal Epithelium
by Bina Kashyap, Konsta Naumanen, Jopi Mikkonen, Hannah Dekker, Engelbert Schulten, Elisabeth Bloemena, Sanna Pasonen-Seppänen and Arja Kullaa
Biomedicines 2022, 10(11), 2816; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10112816 - 4 Nov 2022
Viewed by 1539
Abstract
Purpose: It is well established that cancer cells exploit aberrant synthesis of mucin 1 (MUC1) and hyaluronan (HA) synthesis along with HA’s physiological cell surface receptor CD44. However, their role in irradiated oral tissue has not been reported previously. We, therefore, aimed [...] Read more.
Purpose: It is well established that cancer cells exploit aberrant synthesis of mucin 1 (MUC1) and hyaluronan (HA) synthesis along with HA’s physiological cell surface receptor CD44. However, their role in irradiated oral tissue has not been reported previously. We, therefore, aimed to study MUC1, CD44 and HA immunohistochemically in irradiated oral mucosa and their role in the long-term effects after radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: Oral mucosal biopsies were obtained from healthy subjects as controls and from patients after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (irradiated group) during dental implant surgery. The presence of MUC1, CD44, and HA in oral mucosa was studied by immunohistochemical methods. The differences in the localization and intensity in the oral epithelium between control and irradiated tissue were analyzed. Results: The staining intensity of MUC1 was confined to the superficial epithelial layer, whereas HA and CD44 were found in the cell membranes in the epithelial basal and intermediate layers of control specimens. In irradiated epithelium, MUC1 staining was distributed throughout all the layers of the oral epithelium, with significant staining in the basal and intermediate layers. Accordingly, HA and CD44 staining extended to involve the superficial cells of the irradiated epithelium. The staining pattern of MUC1 and CD44 showed significant changes in irradiated samples. Conclusions: Our results showed that the staining intensities of MUC1, CD44, and HA were significantly elevated in irradiated tissue compared to controls. MUC1, CD44, and HA are important markers and take part in long-term changes in the oral mucosa after radiotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Biology in Dentistry)
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20 pages, 3668 KiB  
Article
PAX9 Is Involved in Periodontal Ligament Stem Cell-like Differentiation of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells by Regulating Extracellular Matrix
by Risa Sugiura, Sayuri Hamano, Atsushi Tomokiyo, Daigaku Hasegawa, Shinichiro Yoshida, Hideki Sugii, Shoko Fujino, Orie Adachi, Masataka Kadowaki, Daiki Yamashita and Hidefumi Maeda
Biomedicines 2022, 10(10), 2366; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10102366 - 22 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3601
Abstract
Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) play central roles in periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue homeostasis, repair, and regeneration. Previously, we established a protocol to differentiate human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural crest-like cells (iNCs) into PDLSC-like cells (iPDLSCs) using human PDL cell-derived extracellular matrix (ECM). [...] Read more.
Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) play central roles in periodontal ligament (PDL) tissue homeostasis, repair, and regeneration. Previously, we established a protocol to differentiate human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural crest-like cells (iNCs) into PDLSC-like cells (iPDLSCs) using human PDL cell-derived extracellular matrix (ECM). However, it remained unclear what factors principally regulate the differentiation of iNCs into iPDLSCs. In this study, we aimed to identify the transcription factor regulating production of human PDL cell-derived ECM, which is responsible for the generation of iPDLSCs. We cultured iNCs on ECMs of two human PDL cell lines (HPDLC-3S and HPDLC-3U) and of human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). iNCs cultured on HPDLC-3U demonstrated higher iPDLSC-associated gene expression and mesenchymal differentiation capacity than cells cultured on HDF or HPDLC-3S. The transcription factor PAX9 was highly expressed in HPDLC-3U compared with HDF and HPDLC-3S. iNCs cultured on siPAX9-transfected HPDLC-3U displayed downregulation of iPDLSC-associated marker expression and adipocytic differentiation capacity relative to controls. Our findings suggest that PAX9 is one of the transcription factors regulating ECM production in human PDL cells, which is responsible for the differentiation of iNCs into iPDLSCs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Biology in Dentistry)
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Review

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12 pages, 289 KiB  
Review
Unraveling the Link between Periodontitis and Coronavirus Disease 2019: Exploring Pathogenic Pathways and Clinical Implications
by En-Chin Lin, Yi-Chun Chiang, Hsuan-Yu Lin, Shao-Yu Tseng, Yu-Ting Hsieh, Jer-An Shieh, Yu-Hao Huang, Hsiang-Tai Tsai, Sheng-Wei Feng, Tzu-Yu Peng and I-Ta Lee
Biomedicines 2023, 11(10), 2789; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11102789 - 14 Oct 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1795
Abstract
Periodontitis involves the inflammation of the periodontal tissue, leading to tissue loss, while coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly transmissible respiratory disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is amplified by poor systemic health. Key facilitators of [...] Read more.
Periodontitis involves the inflammation of the periodontal tissue, leading to tissue loss, while coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly transmissible respiratory disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is amplified by poor systemic health. Key facilitators of SARS-CoV-2’s entry into host cells are angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2). This review reveals that periodontal pockets can serve as a hotspot for virus accumulation, rendering surrounding epithelia more susceptible to infection. Given that ACE2 is expressed in oral mucosa, it is reasonable to suggest that poor periodontal health could increase the risk of COVID-19 infection. However, recent studies have not provided sufficient evidence to imply a significant effect of COVID-19 on periodontal health, necessitating further and more long-term investigations. Nevertheless, there are hypotheses linking the mechanisms of the two diseases, such as the involvement of interleukin-17 (IL-17). Elevated IL-17 levels are observed in both COVID-19 and periodontitis, leading to increased osteoclast activity and bone resorption. Lastly, bidirectional relationships between periodontitis and systemic diseases like diabetes are acknowledged. Given that COVID-19 symptoms may worsen with these conditions, maintaining good oral health and managing systemic diseases are suggested as potential ways to protect against COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Biology in Dentistry)
13 pages, 1232 KiB  
Review
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Human Periapical Cysts and Their Implications in Regenerative Medicine
by Alexandra Roi, Ciprian Roi, Meda Lavinia Negruțiu, Laura Cristina Rusu and Mircea Riviș
Biomedicines 2023, 11(9), 2436; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11092436 - 31 Aug 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1614
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells currently play an important role in the tissue engineering field in developing new regenerative approaches. The oral cavity is a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells, and introducing the use of dental stem cells, characterized by a multilineage differentiation potential, [...] Read more.
Mesenchymal stem cells currently play an important role in the tissue engineering field in developing new regenerative approaches. The oral cavity is a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells, and introducing the use of dental stem cells, characterized by a multilineage differentiation potential, immunomodulatory activity and repair capacity, offers a good perspective for clinical dentistry. Human periapical cyst mesenchymal stem cells (hPCy-MSCs) represent a new category of dental stem cells, being collected from pathological tissue and exhibiting MSCs-like properties. As studies have described, these new identified cells possess the same characteristics as those described in MSCs, exhibiting plasticity, a high proliferation rate and the potential to differentiate into osteogenic, adipogenic and neural lineages. Reusing the biological tissue that is considered pathologic offers a new perspective for the development of further clinical applications. The identification and characterization of MSCs in the human periapical cysts allows for a better understanding of the molecular interactions, the potential healing capacity and the mechanisms of inducing the local osteogenic process, integrated in the microenvironment. Although their involvement in regenerative medicine research is recent, they exhibit important properties that refer them for the development of clinical applications in dentistry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Biology in Dentistry)
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13 pages, 309 KiB  
Review
Stem Cells from the Apical Papilla (SCAPs): Past, Present, Prospects, and Challenges
by Qi Liu, Yuan Gao and Jinzhi He
Biomedicines 2023, 11(7), 2047; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11072047 - 20 Jul 2023
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1969
Abstract
Dental diseases occurring on young permanent teeth usually lead to the premature arrest of tooth root development. Sustained tooth root elongation is necessary to achieve the goal of long-term preservation of affected teeth. To this end, stem cell-based regenerative endodontic treatment has been [...] Read more.
Dental diseases occurring on young permanent teeth usually lead to the premature arrest of tooth root development. Sustained tooth root elongation is necessary to achieve the goal of long-term preservation of affected teeth. To this end, stem cell-based regenerative endodontic treatment has been regarded as one of the most promising strategies for treating young permanent teeth with pulp and periapical infections. Endogenous stem cells residing in the apical papilla, named stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs), have been intensively investigated due to their critical roles in pulp regeneration and root redevelopment. The present review summarizes advances in the field of SCAPs studies and discusses the challenges that need to be further addressed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Biology in Dentistry)
13 pages, 918 KiB  
Review
Clusterin and Its Isoforms in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Their Potential as Biomarkers: A Comprehensive Review
by Qinyi Zhang, Jun Yao Teow, Jesinda Pauline Kerishnan, Adyani Azizah Abd Halim and Yeng Chen
Biomedicines 2023, 11(5), 1458; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11051458 - 16 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2274
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent type of head and neck cancer, ranked as the sixth most common cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 300,000 new cases and 145,000 deaths annually. Early detection using biomarkers significantly increases the 5-year survival rate of [...] Read more.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent type of head and neck cancer, ranked as the sixth most common cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 300,000 new cases and 145,000 deaths annually. Early detection using biomarkers significantly increases the 5-year survival rate of OSCC by up to 80–90%. Clusterin (CLU), also known as apolipoprotein J, is a sulfated chaperonic glycoprotein expressed in all tissues and human fluids and has been reported to be a potential biomarker of OSCC. CLU has been implicated as playing a vital role in many biological processes such as apoptosis, cell cycle, etc. Abnormal CLU expression has been linked with the development and progression of cancers. Despite the fact that there are many studies that have reported the involvement of CLU and its isoforms in OSCC, the exact roles of CLU and its isoforms in OSCC carcinogenesis have not been fully explored. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of CLU structure and genetics and its correlation with OSCC tumorigenesis to better understand potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker development. The relationship between CLU and chemotherapy resistance in cancer will also be discussed to explore the therapeutic application of CLU and its isoforms in OSCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Biology in Dentistry)
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18 pages, 1198 KiB  
Review
Circulating miRNA as a Biomarker in Oral Cancer Liquid Biopsy
by Alexandra Roi, Simina Boia, Laura-Cristina Rusu, Ciprian Ioan Roi, Eugen Radu Boia and Mircea Riviș
Biomedicines 2023, 11(3), 965; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11030965 - 21 Mar 2023
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2745
Abstract
Oral cancer is currently challenging the healthcare system, with a high incidence among the population and a poor survival rate. One of the main focuses related to this malignancy is the urge to implement a viable approach for improving its early diagnosis. By [...] Read more.
Oral cancer is currently challenging the healthcare system, with a high incidence among the population and a poor survival rate. One of the main focuses related to this malignancy is the urge to implement a viable approach for improving its early diagnosis. By introducing the use of liquid biopsy and the identification of potential biomarkers, aiming for a noninvasive approach, new advancements offer promising perspectives in the diagnosis of oral cancer. The present review discusses the potential of circulating miRNAs as oral cancer biomarkers identified in body fluids such as serum, plasma, and saliva samples of oral cancer patients. Existing results reveal an important implication of different miRNA expressions involved in the initiation, development, progression, and metastasis rate of oral malignancy. Liquid biomarkers can play a crucial role in the development of the concept of personalized medicine, providing a wide range of clinical applications and future targeted therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Biology in Dentistry)
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16 pages, 985 KiB  
Review
The Role and Involvement of Stem Cells in Periodontology
by Ancuta Goriuc, Liliana Foia, Karina Cojocaru, Diana Diaconu-Popa, Darius Sandu and Ionut Luchian
Biomedicines 2023, 11(2), 387; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11020387 - 28 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5192
Abstract
Periodontitis is a widespread inflammatory condition, characterized by a progressive deterioration of the supporting structures of the teeth. Due to the complexity of periodontal tissue and the surrounding inflammatory microenvironment, the repair of lesions at this level represents a continuous challenge. The regeneration [...] Read more.
Periodontitis is a widespread inflammatory condition, characterized by a progressive deterioration of the supporting structures of the teeth. Due to the complexity of periodontal tissue and the surrounding inflammatory microenvironment, the repair of lesions at this level represents a continuous challenge. The regeneration of periodontal tissues is considered a promising strategy. Stem cells have remarkable properties, such as immunomodulatory potential, proliferation, migration, and multilineage differentiation. Thus, they can be used to repair tissue damage and reduce inflammation, potentially leading to periodontal regeneration. Among the stem cells used for periodontal regeneration, we studied dental mesenchymal stem cells (DMSCs), non-dental stem cells, and induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs). Although these cells have well documented important physiological characteristics, their use in contemporary practice to repair the affected periodontium is still a challenge. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Biology in Dentistry)
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12 pages, 1217 KiB  
Review
Current Application of iPS Cells in the Dental Tissue Regeneration
by Sayuri Hamano, Risa Sugiura, Daiki Yamashita, Atsushi Tomokiyo, Daigaku Hasegawa and Hidefumi Maeda
Biomedicines 2022, 10(12), 3269; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10123269 - 16 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2817
Abstract
When teeth and periodontal tissues are severely damaged by severe caries, trauma, and periodontal disease, such cases may be subject to tooth extraction. As tooth loss leads to the deterioration of quality of life, the development of regenerative medicine for tooth and periodontal [...] Read more.
When teeth and periodontal tissues are severely damaged by severe caries, trauma, and periodontal disease, such cases may be subject to tooth extraction. As tooth loss leads to the deterioration of quality of life, the development of regenerative medicine for tooth and periodontal tissue is desired. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) are promising cell resources for dental tissue regeneration because they offer high self-renewal and pluripotency, along with fewer ethical issues than embryonic stem cells. As iPS cells retain the epigenetic memory of donor cells, they have been established from various dental tissues for dental tissue regeneration. This review describes the regeneration of dental tissue using iPS cells. It is important to mimic the process of tooth development in dental tissue regeneration using iPS cells. Although iPS cells had safety issues in clinical applications, they have been overcome in recent years. Dental tissue regeneration using iPS cells has not yet been established, but it is expected in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cell Biology in Dentistry)
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