Keynote Address: Uniqueness and Common Theme of Pulp vs Other Regeneration via Stem Cells

Abstract Body: Stem cell-mediated therapy has drawn great attention and some stem cell regenerative capacities far exceeded the expectation. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be guided to form retina organoids containing all major retinal cell types arranged in their proper layers with functional photoreceptors. Implantation of dental pulp stem cells into the root canal space leads to regeneration of pulp and dentin-like structure. The uniqueness of pulp regeneration is its infection control and limiting blood supply which pose a major challenge. Therefore, we need to develop utterly effective disinfection protocols including eliminating microbes invading into the dentinal tubules. We also need to establish a protocol that allows the timely vascularization during the pulp regeneration, such that the transplanted stem cells in the coronal area receive blood supply for optimal cell growth and differentiation thereby achieving good quality regeneration. This presentation will discuss these issues and present updated research progress.