Cellular and molecular mechanisms of tooth root development

Abstract

The tooth root is an integral, functionally important part of our dentition. The formation of a functional root depends on epithelialmesenchymal interactions and integration of the root with the jaw bone, blood supply and nerve innervations. The root development process therefore offers an attractive model for investigating organogenesis. Understanding how roots develop and how they can be bioengineered is also of great interest in the field of regenerative medicine. Here, we discuss recent advances in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying tooth root formation. We review the function of cellular structure and components such as Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, cranial neural crest cells and stem cells residing in developing and adult teeth. We also highlight how complex signaling networks together with multiple transcription factors mediate tissue-tissue interactions that guide root development. Finally, we discuss the possible role of stem cells in establishing the crown-to-root transition, and provide an overview of root malformations and diseases in humans.

Regenerative endodontics: a comprehensive review

“…The unpredictability of root maturation of immature permanent teeth with a necrotic pulp after RET is likely due to the disturbance in interaction between Hertwig's epithelial root sheath and mesenchymal stem cells in the dental follicle (Li et al . ). The severity of the inflammatory apical lesion may damage or affect the biological function of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath and mesenchymal stem cells in the periapical area.…”

BMP signaling orchestrates a transcriptional network to control the fate of mesenchymal stem cells in mice

“…To mimic this biological process for tooth root regeneration, future studies will need to investigate the coordination between these components. In addition, previous studies have shown that epithelialmesenchymal interactions are crucial for tooth development as well as many other developmental processes (Li et al, 2017). At early embryonic stages, BMP signaling is relayed between the epithelium and mesenchyme as tooth development progresses.…”

Gene expression of growth factors with angiogenic potential in human dental pulp tissue from teeth with complete and incomplete root development

“…The way to regulate the amount of oxygen and nutrients of a specific area in a tissue is through angiogenesis (Roberts-Clark & Smith 2000, Li et al 2017, Xue et al 2018. The way to regulate the amount of oxygen and nutrients of a specific area in a tissue is through angiogenesis (Roberts-Clark & Smith 2000, Li et al 2017, Xue et al 2018.…”

“…Then, HERS becomes perforated due to apoptosis after its movement towards the apical region of the tooth forming a network structure that will serve as a pattern for dental root formation and will facilitate the interaction between dentine, cementum and periodontal ligament (Luan et al 2006, Huang et al 2009, Li et al 2017. Then, HERS becomes perforated due to apoptosis after its movement towards the apical region of the tooth forming a network structure that will serve as a pattern for dental root formation and will facilitate the interaction between dentine, cementum and periodontal ligament (Luan et al 2006, Huang et al 2009, Li et al 2017.…”