IADR Abstract Archives

Cells Isolated From the Dentin-Pulp Interface Express an Odontoblast Phenotype

Objectives: The lack of odontoblasts culturable in vitro is a drawback for the investigation of the molecular cross-talk underlying dentin formation, as well as immune and sensory functions. Therefore, we isolated cells from the dentin-pulp interface of third molars from young patients, and characterized their morphological and biochemical properties.
Methods: After tooth extraction, pulp tissues were removed from the crowns and the structure of the dentin-pulp interface was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Dentin-adherent tissue was scraped off the pulp chamber wall, and cells obtained from these explants and from pulp tissue were harvested after several weeks in culture. Properties of these primary cells were compared with those of periodontal ligament cells, osteoblasts, skin fibroblasts, epithelial cells or HeLa. Cell morphology was studied by light microscopy. The expression of odontoblast markers DSPP (dentin sialophosphoprotein) and DMP1 (dentin matrix protein) as well as TRPV4 (transient receptor potential cation channel) and S100A4 (S100 calcium binding protein) was analyzed by Western blotting. Gene expression of S100A4 was investigated by RT-qPCR.
Results: A monolayer of odontoblast cell bodies was tightly attached to the pulp chamber wall. Cell processes enter dentin tubules on the predentinal surface characterized by a network of collagen fibres preceding mineralized dentin. Microscopic observations of cell cultures indicated cell polarity and secretory activity in cells from the dentin-pulp interface. Protein expression of DSPP, DMP-1, and TRPV4 was detected in all cell types. High expression of S100A4 was observed at the protein and gene level in two of three fractions of cells isolated from the dentin-pulp interface, but was absent or weakly expressed in pulp cells.
Conclusions: We provide experimental evidence that cells isolated from the dentin-pulp interface express an odontoblast phenotype. The expression of S100A4 is a potential marker for differentiating between pulp cells and cells of the odontoblast lineage.

2021 Continental European and Scandinavian Divisions Meeting (Brussels, Belgium, Hybrid)
Brussels, Belgium, Hybrid
2021
0012
Pulp Biology & Regeneration Research
  • Schweikl, Helmut  ( University Hospital Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany )
  • Gallorini, Marialucia  ( University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara , Chieti , Italy )
  • Widbiller, Matthias  ( University Hospital Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany )
  • Buchalla, Wolfgang  ( University Hospital Regensburg , Regensburg , Germany )
  • NONE
    Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft DFG Schw431/16-1
    Oral Session IN PERSON
    Pulp biology & regeneration
    Thursday, 09/16/2021 , 01:30PM - 02:45PM