Distinct Expression Patterns of Cxcl12 in Mesenchymal Stem Cell Niches of Intact and Injured Rodent Teeth.

Specific stem cell populations within dental mesenchymal tissues guarantee tooth homeostasis and regeneration throughout life. The decision between renewal and differentiation of stem cells is greatly influenced by interactions with stromal cells and extracellular matrix molecules that form the tissue specific stem cell niches. The chemokine is a general marker of stromal cells and plays fundamental roles in the maintenance, mobilization and migration of stem cells. The aim of this study was to exploit -GFP transgenic mice to study the expression patterns of in putative dental niches of intact and injured teeth. We showed that endothelial and stromal cells expressed in the dental pulp tissue of both intact molars and incisors. Isolated non-endothelial dental pulp cells cultured in different conditions in vitro exhibited expression of both adipogenic and osteogenic markers, thus suggesting that these cells possess multipotent fates. Taken together, our results show that is widely expressed in intact and injured teeth and highlight its importance as a key component of the various dental mesenchymal stem cell niches.