Stem Cells
Stem cells are the fundamental components of the organism, possessing the capacity to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types. They can be found in embryonic, foetal, and adult stages.
Thanks to their self-renewal, differentiation, and proliferation properties, they play a critical role in tissue regeneration and repair.
Features
Self-renewal:
They can maintain their stem cell properties by dividing for long periods.
Potency (differentiation capacity):
They can exhibit totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent, or unipotent properties.
Tissue repair:
They play a role in the regeneration of damaged tissues.
Classification
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs):
They possess pluripotent properties and can differentiate into all cell types.
Adult stem cells (e.g. MSC):
They are multipotent and can differentiate into specific tissue types.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC):
They are obtained by genetically reprogramming somatic cells.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells derived from connective tissue with multipotent properties. They can differentiate into cells such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, and connective tissue.
They also possess immunomodulatory properties, regulating the immune system, suppressing inflammation, and supporting regenerative processes.
They are one of the most commonly used types of stem cells in clinical applications.
Their main features are:
- Migration: Migration to damaged tissue
- Fusion: Merging with damaged cells
- Differentiation: Differentiation into the cell they merge with
- Immunosuppression: Reduction of immune system activation
- Immunomodulation: Regulation of the immune system
Dental Pulp-Derived Stem Cells
Dental pulp develops from neural crest cells of neuroectodermal origin. However, the stem cell population within it possesses mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) characteristics.
Dental pulp is connective tissue located in the centre of the tooth and surrounded by a rich network of blood vessels and nerves. Dental Pulp Stem Cells (DPSCs) isolated from this tissue belong to the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) class in terms of phenotype and function.
They were first isolated from deciduous teeth and third molars (wisdom teeth). They can be obtained using minimally invasive methods, have a high proliferation capacity in young age groups, and offer a wide range of differentiation possibilities due to their neural crest origin.
DPSCs can differentiate into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic lineages, and their capacity to transform into neural-like cells makes them particularly prominent in the field of neuroregenerative medicine.
Furthermore, thanks to their immunomodulatory properties, they play an active role in tissue repair and inflammation control.
Quality Control Parameters (Dental Pulp-Derived Stem Cells)
- Serology Analysis
- Mycoplasma Analysis
- Culture Analysis
- Endotoxin Analysis
- Cell Count and Viability Analysis
- Telomerase Activity Assay Analysis
- Surface Marker Analysis
- Gene Expression Analysis
- Gram Stain Analysis