A Wnt-Responsive PDL Population Effectuates Extraction Socket Healing. (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yuan, X.; Pei, X.; Zhao, Y.; Tulu, U.S.; Liu, B.; Helms, J.A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of dental research. Volume 97:Number 7(2018)
• Page Start: 803
• Page End: 809
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: tooth extraction -- periodontal ligament -- Wnt3 protein -- Axin2 -- cell lineages -- bone regeneration; Dentistry -- Periodicals; Dentistry -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Dentistry -- Periodicals; Research -- Periodicals; 617.6005
• DOI: 10.1177/0022034518755719
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-0345

Abstract

Stem cells residing in the periodontal ligament (PDL) support the homeostasis of the periodontium, but their in vivo identity, source(s), and function(s) remain poorly understood. Here, using a lineage-tracing mouse strain, we identified a quiescent Wnt-responsive population in the PDL that became activated in response to tooth extraction. The Wnt-responsive population expanded by proliferation, then migrated from the PDL remnants that remained attached to bundle bone, into the socket. Once there, the Wnt-responsive progeny upregulated osteogenic protein expression, differentiated into osteoblasts, and generated the new bone that healed the socket. Using a liposomal WNT3A protein therapeutic, we showed that a single application at the time of extraction was sufficient to accelerate extraction socket healing 2-fold. Collectively, these data identify a new stem cell population in the intact periodontium that is directly responsible for alveolar bone healing after tooth removal.