Differentiation control of transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): A new possible strategy to promote periodontal regeneration

SummaryPeriodontal diseases, characterized by destruction of periodontal supporting tissue including periodontal ligament (PDL), cementum, alveolar bone, and gingiva, were a substantial public health burden worldwide. The regeneration of destroyed periodontal tissues is a major goal in periodontal therapy. Periodontal tissue regeneration has been a common and complicated clinical problem now. In the past three years, some researches discovered bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) would accelerate periodontal tissue regeneration, but the mechanism was unknown. Many researchers speculated the main reason was the site-specific differentiation of MSCs. We further propose a hypothesis that controlling and accelerating the specific differentiation of transplanted MSCs could constitute a possible treatment modality for periodontal diseases. The combination of MSCs transplanting with some specific signaling molecules, which could accelerate the directed differentiation of MSCs in vivo, might promote periodontal regeneration more effectively.