Characterization and analysis of migration patterns of dentospheres derived from periodontal tissue and the palate

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Stem cells derived from periodontal and palatal tissues may be useful for regenerative therapies of periodontal tissues. In addition to the use of single periodontium-derived stem cells (pdSCs) and palatal-derived stem cells (paldSCs), the application of pdSC and paldSC dentospheres, providing a pool of vital stem cells, may be a useful approach. As cell migration is a prerequisite for stem cells to regenerate a three-dimensional tissue environment, we characterized pdSCs and paldSCs and investigated the migratory activity of dentospheres within a three-dimensional environment. We also investigated the capacity of the dentospheres to grow on zirconium dioxide surfaces. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The capacity of pdSCs and paldSCs to differentiate into the neuronal and osteogenic lineages was proved by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry through the detection of specific lineage markers, such as alkaline phosphatase, glutamate decarboxylase 1 (also known as GAD67, the 67-kDa isoform of glutamate decarboxylase), neurofilament-M and β-III-tubulin. The expression profile of surface molecules on pdSCs and paldSCs was analyzed by flow cytometry. Adhesion and growth of pdSC/paldSC dentospheres on zirconium dioxide surfaces were determined using confocal laser-scanning microscopy. The migratory behavior of the cells was analyzed using a three-dimensional collagen matrix migration assay. RESULTS: Both pdSCs and paldSCs were positive for epidermal growth factor receptor, CC chemokine receptor 2 and CXC chemokine receptor 4 expression and were able to grow on zirconium dioxide surfaces. Cell-migration experiments revealed that both stem-cell populations responded similarly to epidermal growth factor (EGF), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha (SDF-1α). Stimulation with EGF resulted in an increased migratory activity of both stem-cell types, whereas the locomotory behavior of the cells was impaired by both MCP-1 and SDF-1α. CONCLUSION: Dentospheres represent a pool of vital pdSCs/paldSCs. As a result of the migratory activity demonstrated, along with the capacity to grow on zirconium dioxide surfaces, dentospheres may be useful for regenerative purposes in periodontal tissues.