Determinants of Dental Pulp Stem Cell Heterogeneity

IntroductionThe aim of this review is to provide a narrative review on the determinants of dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) heterogeneity that may affect the regenerative properties of these cells.MethodsPubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE (Ovid) literature searches were done on human dental pulp stem cell heterogeneity. The focus was on human dental pulp stem cells with a primary focus on DPSC heterogeneity.ResultsDPSCs display significant heterogeneity as illustrated by the various subpopulations reported, including differences in proliferation and differentiation capabilities and the impact of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors.ConclusionsThe lack of consistent and reliable results in the clinical setting may be due to the heterogeneous nature of DPSC populations. Standardization in isolation techniques and criteria to characterize DPSCs should lead to less variability in results reported and improve comparison of findings between studies. Single-cell RNA sequencing holds promise in elucidating DPSC heterogeneity and may contribute to the establishment of standardized techniques.     

Orthodontic treatment mediates dental pulp microenvironment via IL17A

ObjectiveOrthodontic treatment induces dental tissue remodeling; however, dental pulp stem cell (DPSC)-mediated pulp micro-environmental alteration is still largely uncharacterized. In the present study, we identified elevated interleukin-17A (IL17A) in the dental pulp, which induced the osteogenesis of DPSCs after orthodontic force loading.DesignTooth movement animal models were established in Sprague-Dawley rats, and samples were harvested at 1, 4, 7, 14, and 21 days after orthodontic treatment loading. DPSC self-renewal and differentiation at different time points were examined, as well as the alteration of the microenvironment of dental pulp tissue by histological analysis and the systemic serum IL17A expression level by an ELISA assay. In vitro recombinant IL17A treatment was used to confirm the effect of IL17A on the enhancement of DPSC self-renewal and differentiation.ResultsOrthodontic treatment altered the dental pulp microenvironment by activation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL17A in vivo. Orthodontic loading significantly promoted the self-renewal and differentiation of DPSCs. Inflammation and elevated IL17A secretion occurred in the dental pulp during orthodontic tooth movement. Moreover, in vitro recombinant IL17A treatment mimicked the enhancement of the self-renewal and differentiation of DPSCs.ConclusionsOrthodontic treatment enhanced the differentiation and self-renewal of DPSCs, mediated by orthodontic-induced inflammation and subsequent elevation of IL17A level in the dental pulp microenvironment.     

Evaluation of the Apical Complex and the Coronal Pulp as a Stem Cell Source for Dentin-pulp Regeneration

IntroductionThis study compared the stemness and differentiation potential of stem cells derived from the apical complex (apical complex cells [ACCs]) and coronal pulp (dental pulp stem cells [DPSCs]) of human immature permanent teeth with the aim of determining a more suitable source of stem cells for regeneration of the dentin-pulp complex.MethodsACC and DPSC cultures were established from 13 human immature permanent teeth using the outgrowth method. The proliferation capacity and colony-forming ability of ACCs and DPSCs were evaluated. ACCs and DPSCs were analyzed for mesenchymal stem cell markers using flow cytometry. The adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential of ACCs and DPSCs were evaluated using the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and histochemical staining. ACCs and DPSCs were transplanted subcutaneously in immunocompromised mice using macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate as a carrier. The histomorphologic characteristics of the newly formed tissues were verified using hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining. Quantitative alkaline phosphatase analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using BSP, DSPP, POSTN, and Col XII were performed.ResultsACCs and DPSCs showed similar cell proliferation potential and colony-forming ability. The percentage of mesenchymal stem cell markers was similar between ACCs and DPSCs. In the in vitro study, ACCs and DPSCs showed adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potential. In the in vivo study, ACCs and DPSCs formed amorphous hard tissue using macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate particles. The quantity and histomorphologic characteristics of the amorphous hard tissue were similar in the ACC and DPSC groups. Formation of periodontal ligament–like tissue, positive to Col XII, was observed in ACC transplants, which was absent in DPSC transplants.ConclusionsACCs and DPSCs showed similar stemness, proliferation rate, and hard tissue–forming capacity. The notable difference was the periodontal ligament–like fiber-forming capacity of ACCs, which indicates the presence of various lineages of stem cells in the apical complex compared with the coronal pulp. Regarding regeneration of the dentin-pulp complex, the coronal pulp can be a suitable source of stem cells considering its homogenous lineages of cells and favorable osteo/odontogenic differentiation potential.     

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Human Inflamed Dental Pulp Exhibit Impaired Immunomodulatory Capacity In Vitro

IntroductionDental pulp stem cells (DPSC) are very attractive in regenerative medicine. In this study, we focused on the characterization of the functional properties of mesenchymal stem cells derived from DPSCs. Currently, it is unknown whether inflammatory conditions present in an inflamed dental pulp tissue could alter the immunomodulatory properties of DPSCs. This study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory capacity in vitro of DPSCs derived from healthy and inflamed dental pulp.MethodsDPSCs from 10 healthy and inflamed dental pulps (irreversible pulpitis) were characterized according to the minimal criteria of the International Society for Cell Therapy, proliferation, differential potential, and colony-forming units. Furthermore, the immunomodulatory capacity of DPSCs was tested on the proliferation of T lymphocytes by flow cytometry and the in vitro enzyme activity of indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the DPSC characteristics and properties such as immunophenotype, tridifferentiation, colony-forming units, and proliferation of the DPSCs derived from normal and inflamed pulp tissue. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the immunomodulatory capacity of DPSCs obtained from human healthy dental pulp and with the diagnosis of irreversible pulpitis.ConclusionsOur results showed that DPSCs isolated from inflamed dental pulp showed typical characteristics of MSCs and diminished immunosuppressive capacity in vitro in comparison with MSCs derived from healthy dental pulp. Further investigation in vivo is needed to clarify the mechanism of this diminished immunosuppressive capacity.     

Cell-derived Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Colloidal Microgel as a Self-Assembly Hydrogel for Regenerative Endodontics

IntroductionThis study investigated a colloidal microgel for angiogenic and odontogenic differentiation of cells in the presence of cell-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins using a 3-dimensional culture model.MethodsViscoelastic properties of human dental pulp were determined to understand the native ECM environment. ECM proteins were extracted from dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) cultures, and MaxGel (Millipore Sigma, Burlington, MA) was used as a commercially available ECM protein. DPSCs were incubated in colloidal microgels in the presence of ECM proteins or gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) as a bulk hydrogel (n = 9/group). The viability and odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs within hydrogels was determined using viability assays, mineralization staining, calcium and alkaline phosphatase assays, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for odontogenic gene expression. Angiogenic properties of endothelial cells were determined using tubule formation assays and quantitative polymerase chain reaction to detect angiogenic gene expression.ResultsDental pulp had a higher elastic modulus than the viscous modulus, showing a solidlike response similar to hydrogels. DPSC-derived ECM showed higher collagen and GAG than MaxGel (P < .05). The viability of DPSCs was similar in colloidal microgels, whereas higher cell viability, calcium deposition, and alkaline phosphatase activity were observed in GelMA (P < .05). Colloidal microgels allowed tubule-like structures by endothelial cells, whereas no tubular formation was observed in GelMA. DPSC-derived ECM in colloidal microgel up-regulated odontogenic gene expression, whereas MaxGel up-regulated angiogenic gene expression (P < .05).ConclusionsColloidal microgels allowed cellular organization that can improve penetration and nutritional supply in a full-length root canal system. The bioactivity of cell-derived ECM proteins can be modified depending on the external stimulus.     

人牙髓干细胞体外分选分化的初步实验研究

目的 体外培养人牙髓细胞,分选牙髓干细胞并诱导其分化.方法 选择因正畸目的 而拔除的健康完整双尖牙,酶消化法进行牙髓细胞培养,并进行来源鉴定.单抗Stro-1标记牙髓干细胞、免疫磁珠分选系统进行分选.矿化液定向诱导分选后的牙髓十细胞,比较诱导前后Stro-1染色及改良Gomori钙钴法染色检测碱性磷酸酶(ALP)的改变.结果 体外培养人牙髓细胞呈成纤维细胞样,抗波形丝蛋白染色阳性,抗角蛋白染色阴性.牙髓干细胞Stro-1检测阳性,牙髓细胞中干细胞附性率约为10%.矿化诱导后细胞Stro-1阴性、ALP阳性表达.结论 采用免疫磁珠分选系统分离出人牙髓干细胞,初步验证干细胞分化潜能,为其后续生物学特性研究提供实验基础.     

MEPE is downregulated as dental pulp stem cells differentiate

Previous studies on dental pulp cell culture have described heterogenous mixtures of cells that differentiate into odontoblasts and form mineralized dentin. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to characterize the matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) expression by dental pulp stem cells (DPSC), related to cell differentiation. DESIGN: DPSC differentiation to form mineralized nodules was characterized by Alizarin red staining and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Osteogenesis SuperArray analysis was used to broadly screen for osteogenesis-related genes altered by DPSC differentiation. Relative levels of expression of MEPE and DSP were determined by semiquantitative RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: Mineral analysis showed that as DPSC differentiated, they formed a carbonated hydroxyapatite mineral. Differentiation was initially marked by upregulation by Runx2, TGFbeta-related genes, EGFR and genes involved in collagen metabolism. ALP activity first increased, as DPSCs reached confluence but later decreased when cells further differentiated three weeks after confluence. MEPE was the only marker that was downregulated as DPSCs differentiated. CONCLUSION: DPSC differentiation can be characterized by downregulation of MEPE as other markers of DPSC differentiation, such as DSP, are upregulated. Expression of MEPE related to DSP and can be used to monitor DPSC as they are used for studies of odontoblast differentiation, tissue engineering or vital pulp therapy. The downregulation of MEPE as DPSC differentiate, suggests that MEPE is an inhibitor of mineralization.     

人牙髓干细胞体外分选分化的初步实验研究

目的体外培养人牙髓细胞,分选牙髓干细胞并诱导其分化。方法选择因正畸目的而拔除的健康完整双尖牙,酶消化法进行牙髓细胞培养,并进行来源鉴定。单抗Stro-1标记牙髓干细胞、免疫磁珠分选系统进行分选。矿化液定向诱导分选后的牙髓干细胞,比较诱导前后stro-1染色及改良Gomori钙钴法染色检测碱性磷酸酶（ALP）的改变。结果体外培养人牙髓细胞呈成纤维细胞样,抗波形丝蛋白染色阳性,抗角蛋白染色阴性。牙髓干细胞Stro-1检测阳性,牙髓细胞中干细胞阳性率约为10％。矿化诱导后细胞stro-1阴性、ALP阳性表达。结论采用免疫磁珠分选系统分离出人牙髓干细胞,初步验证干细胞分化潜能,为其后续生物学特性研究提供实验基础。     

Adipose Tissue–derived Microvascular Fragments as Vascularization Units for Dental Pulp Regeneration

IntroductionThe transplantation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) has emerged as a novel strategy for the regeneration of lost dental pulp after pulpitis and trauma. Dental pulp regeneration of the young permanent tooth with a wide tooth apical foramen has achieved significant progress in the clinical trials. However, because of the narrow apical foramen, dental pulp regeneration in adult teeth using stem cells remains difficult in the clinic. Finding out how to promote vascular reconstitution is essential for the survival of stem cells and the regeneration of dental pulp after transplantation into the adult tooth.MethodsAdipose tissue–derived microvascular fragments (ad-MVFs) were isolated from human adipose tissues. The apoptosis and senescence of DPSCs cultured in conditioned media were evaluated to explore the effects of ad-MVFs on DPSCs. DPSCs combined with ad-MVFs were inserted into the human tooth root segments and implanted subcutaneously into immunodeficient mice. Regenerated pulplike tissues were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin and immunohistochemistry. The vessels in regenerated tissues were analyzed by Micro-CT and immunofluorescence.ResultsThe isolated ad-MVFs contained endothelial cells and pericytes. ad-MVFs effectively prevented the apoptosis and senescence of the transplanted DPSCs both in vivo and in vitro. Combined with DPSCs, ad-MVFs obviously facilitated the formation of vascular networks in the transplants. DPSCs combined with ad-MVFs formed dental pulp–like tissues with abundant cells and matrix after 4 weeks of implantation. The supplementation of ad-MVFs led to more odontoblastlike cells and increased the formation of mineralized substance around the root canal.ConclusionsCotransplantation with ad-MVFs promotes the angiogenesis and revascularization of transplanted DPSC aggregates, leading to robust regeneration of dental pulp.     

Biological characteristics of dental pulp stem cells and their potential use in regenerative medicine

BackgroundRegenerative medicine has emerged as a multidisciplinary field with the promising potential of renewing tissues and organs. The main types of adult stem cells used in clinical trials are hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Stem cells are defined as self-renewing clonogenic progenitor cells that can generate one or more types of specialized cells.HighlightMSCs form adipose, cartilage, and bone tissue. Their protective and regenerative effects, such as mitogenic, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and angiogenic effects, are mediated through paracrine and endocrine mechanisms. Dental pulp is a valuable source of stem cells because the collection of dental pulp for stem cell isolation is non-invasive, in contrast to conventional sources, such as bone marrow and adipose tissue. Teeth are an excellent source of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) for therapeutic procedures and they can be easily obtained after tooth extraction or the shedding of deciduous teeth. Thus, there is increased interest in optimizing and establishing standard procedures for obtaining DPSCs; preserving well-defined DPSC cultures for specific applications; and increasing the efficiency, reproducibility, and safety of the clinical use of DPSCs.ConclusionThis review comprehensively describes the biological characteristics and origins of DPSCs, their identification and harvesting, key aspects related to their characterization, their multilineage differentiation potential, current clinical applications, and their potential use in regenerative medicine for future dental and medical applications.     

牙髓干细胞分化过程中L型钙离子通道羧基末端的表达

目的:探讨牙髓干细胞(DPSCs)分化过程中L型钙离子通道羧基末端的表达。方法:利用酶消化法体外分离、培养大鼠牙髓干细胞;吉姆萨染色法检测大鼠牙髓干细胞的克隆形成能力;神经诱导体系下诱导牙髓干细胞向神经样细胞分化,免疫荧光染色检测细胞分化后胶质纤维酸蛋白(glial fibrillary acidic pro-tein,GFAP)的表达和细胞分化前后L型钙离子通道Cav 1.2及羧基末端的表达。结果:牙髓干细胞的克隆形成能力为每1 000个细胞形成2～17个克隆;免疫荧光染色检测诱导后细胞GFAP表达阳性;免疫荧光染色检测显示:牙髓干细胞分化前L型钙离子通道Cav 1.2羧基末端表达于细胞膜上,细胞分化后羧基末端同时表达于细胞膜上和细胞核中。结论:L型钙离子通道Cav 1.2羧基末端在牙髓干细胞分化过程中发生核转位,羧基末端可能在牙髓干细胞的分化过程中发挥着一定的作用。     

Inhibition of Delta1 promotes differentiation of odontoblasts and inhibits proliferation of human dental pulp stem cell in vitro

Objective

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) have been receiving more attentions recently as an important biomaterial for tissue engineering. Notch signalling plays a key role in regulating self-renewal and differentiation of a variety of cells. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of Notch-Delta1 RNA interference (RNAi) on the proliferation and differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells in vitro.

Design

In the present study, we performed gene knockdown of Notch ligand Delta1 in DPSCs using lentivirus-mediated Delta1-RNAi. Changes of proliferation in DPSCs/Delta1-RNAi were examined by cell cycle analysis, Cell viability assay (CCK-8) and Western blot analysis of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Cells were cultured in odontoblast differentiation-inducing medium, and the differentiation of cells was detected with Alkaline phosphatase ALP activity assay, Alizarin red S staining, calcium concentration measurement, and Western blot analysis of Dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP).

Results

Lentivirus-mediated Delta1-RNAi stably knocked-down the expression of Delta1 and Notch signalling, and some of DPSCs/Delta1-RNAi displayed changes in morphology or DSPP expression. The growth rate of Delta1-deficient DPSCs was significantly suppressed as compared with wild type DPSCs and control lentivirus vector transfected DPSCs. Furthermore, the differentiating capability of DPSCs/Delta1-RNAi into odontoblasts is much higher than the two control groups.

Conclusions

Notch signalling plays a crucial role in regulating self-renewal and differentiation in DPSCs. The deficient Notch signalling inhibits the self-renewal capacity of DPSCs and tends to induce DPSCs differentiation under odontoblast differentiation-inducing conditions. These findings suggested that DPSCs/Delta1-RNAi might be applicable to stem cell therapies and tooth tissue engineering.     

Effect of Age and Extrinsic Microenvironment on the Proliferation and Osteogenic Differentiation of Rat Dental Pulp Stem Cells In Vitro

IntroductionIt is suggested that dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) possess pluripotent differentiation and self-renewal capacity and play a crucial role in maintaining dental pulp homeostasis. However, little is known about the age-related changes of DPSCs, and whether aging and its microenvironment are associated with DPSCs remains a question. In this study, age-related changes in proliferation and osteogenic differentiation ability of rat DPSCs were assessed.MethodsTo examine the influence of microenvironment factors on different ages of DPSCs, we exposed adult rat DPSCs to juvenile rat dental pulp cell–conditioned medium (DPC-CM), and juvenile DPSCs were exposed to adult DPC-CM. Morphologic appearance, colony-forming assay, cell cycle analysis, 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thyazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium, gene expression, and mineralization assay after osteogenic induction of DPSCs were evaluated.ResultsDPSCs isolated from the juvenile donors displayed increased proliferation and decreased osteogenic differentiation ability compared with the adult DPSCs. Interestingly, adult DPSCs induced by juvenile DPC-CM demonstrated enhanced proliferation but decreased osteogenic differentiation ability, whereas DPSCs from juvenile donors induced by adult DPC-CM showed decreased proliferation but enhanced osteogenic differentiation ability.ConclusionsOur data suggest that age-related changes of DPSCs should be taken into account when DPSCs are intended to be used for investigations and application. Furthermore, the activity of DPSCs can be modulated by the extrinsic microenvironment.     

miR‐140‐5p‐mediated regulation of the proliferation and differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells occurs through the lipopolysaccharide/toll‐like receptor 4 signaling pathway

Human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are oral mesenchymal stem cells with potential to differentiate into various cell types. Recent studies of DPSCs have focused on microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small noncoding RNAs that play crucial roles in regulating DPSC phenotypes. In the current study, the expression of miR‐140‐5p was significantly decreased during lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐mediated differentiation of DPSCs in vitro. Overexpression of miR‐140‐5p enhanced proliferation of DPSCs and inhibited DPSC differentiation, whereas suppression of miR‐140‐5p produced the opposite effect. Moreover, the expression of toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4), a critical regulator of DPSCs, was negatively correlated with the levels of miR‐140‐5p. A luciferase reporter analysis confirmed that miR‐140‐5p could regulate TLR‐4 by directly binding to the 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of the TLR4 mRNA. Additionally, we suppressed TLR‐4 expression by treating cells with a TLR‐4 inhibitor, CLI‐095, and demonstrated that the effect of the miR‐140‐5p inhibitor on DPSC proliferation and differentiation could be partially reversed by blocking TLR‐4. Taken together, our data suggest that miR‐140‐5p is a novel miRNA that regulates DPSC proliferation and differentiation.     

Dentonin, a fragment of MEPE, enhanced dental pulp stem cell proliferation

Matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein (MEPE) is a SIBLING protein, found in bone and dental tissues. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a 23-amino-acid peptide derived from MEPE (Dentonin or AC-100) could stimulate dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) proliferation and/or differentiation. DPSCs were isolated from erupted human molars, and the mitogenic potential of Dentonin in DPSCs was measured by BrdU immunoassay and cell-cycle gene SuperArray. Differentiation of DPSCs with Dentonin was characterized by Western blot and by osteogenesis gene SuperArray. Dentonin enhanced DPSC proliferation by down-regulating P16, accompanied by up-regulation of ubiquitin protein ligase E3A and human ubiquitin-related protein SUMO-1. Enhanced cell proliferation required intact RGD and SGDG motifs in the peptide. This study shows that Dentonin can promote DPSC proliferation, with a potential role in pulp repair. Further studies are required to determine the usefulness of this material in vivo.     

Temporospatial Expression of Neuropeptide Substance P in Dental Pulp Stem Cells During Odontoblastic Differentiation in Vitro and Reparative Dentinogenesis in Vivo

IntroductionSubstance P (SP) is a neuropeptide released from the nervous fibers in response to injury. In addition to its association with pain and reactions to anxiety and stress, SP exerts various physiological functions by binding to the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R). However, the expression and role of SP in reparative dentinogenesis remain elusive. Here, we explored whether SP is involved in odontoblastic differentiation during reparative dentinogenesis.MethodsDental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) were isolated from healthy human dental pulp tissues and subjected to odontoblastic differentiation. The expression of SP and NK1R during odontoblastic differentiation was investigated in vitro. The effects of SP on odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs were evaluated using alizarin red staining, alkaline phosphatase staining, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. After direct pulp capping with mineral trioxide aggregate, the expression of SP and NK1R during reparative dentin formation in rats were identified using histological and immunohistochemical staining.ResultsSP and NK1R expression increased during the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs. SP translocated to the nucleus when DPSCs were exposed to differentiation medium. NK1R was always present in the nuclei of DPSCs and odontoblast-like cells. Additionally, we discovered that 10^?8 M SP marginally enhanced the odontoblastic differentiation of DPSCs, and that these effects could be impaired by the NK1R antagonist. Furthermore, SP and NK1R were expressed in odontoblast-like and dental pulp cells during reparative dentin formation in vivo.ConclusionsSP contributes to odontoblastic differentiation during reparative dentin formation by binding to the NK1R.     

Poly(Adenosine Phosphate Ribose) Polymerase 1 Inhibition Enhances Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor Secretion in Dental Pulp Stem Cell–derived Odontoblastlike Cells

Introduction

The nuclear enzyme poly(adenosine phosphate ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) has been implicated in the maintenance and differentiation of several stem cells. The role of PARP-1 in dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) differentiation, especially in the context of its ability to modulate nerve regeneration factors, has not been investigated. Regeneration of neuronal components in pulp tissue is important for the assessment of tooth vitality. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is known to play an integral signaling factor during nerve regeneration. In this study, we identified the role of PARP-1 in the modulation of BDNF in DPSC differentiation into odontoblastlike cells.

Differential Effects of Escherichia coli– Versus Porphyromonas gingivalis–derived Lipopolysaccharides on Dental Pulp Stem Cell Differentiation in Scaffold-free Engineered Tissues

IntroductionTo leverage the therapeutic capabilities of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) for regenerative endodontic applications, a better understanding of their innate defense and reparative processes is needed. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major virulent factor of gram-negative bacteria and contributor to endodontic infections. We have developed 3-dimensional scaffold-free DPSC tissues that self-organize into dentin-pulp organoids comprising a mineralized dentin-like tissue on the periphery and an unmineralized pulp-like core. In this study, scaffold-free DPSC constructs were used as controllable experimental models to study the DPSC response to bacterial challenge.MethodsScaffold-free constructs were engineered using DPSCs isolated from human third molars. To simulate bacterial exposure, DPSC constructs were exposed to either Porphyromonas gingivalis–derived LPS or Escherichia coli–derived LPS. The effects of LPS on DPSC differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis were evaluated.ResultsEngineered tissues lacking LPS treatment self-organized into dentin-pulp organoids. LPS treatment did not negatively affect DPSC proliferation or apoptosis in the engineered tissues. Both E. coli LPS and P. gingivalis LPS inhibited the up-regulation of RUNX2 messenger RNA expression and reduced the expression of the odontoblast-associated proteins (P < .05), suggesting that LPS is inhibiting odontoblastic differentiation. However, only E. coli LPS treatment significantly reduced mineral deposition in the DPSC (P < .05) constructs, indicating that E. coli LPS but not P. gingivalis LPS reduced functional differentiation of DPSCs and prevented DPSCs from self-organizing into a dentin-pulp complex–like structure.ConclusionsThis study establishes scaffold-free DPSC constructs as models of oral disease. Furthermore, it emphasizes the diversity of LPS derived from different bacterial species and highlights the necessity of using LPS derived from clinically relevant bacteria in basic science investigations.