Neural Crest-Derived Stem Cells (NCSCs) Obtained from Dental-Related Stem Cells (DRSCs): A Literature Review on Current Knowledge and Directions toward Translational Applications

Abstract

Evidence from dental-related stem cells (DRSCs) suggests an enhanced potential for ectodermal lineage differentiation due to their neural crest origin. Growing evidence that DRSC cultures can produce cells with a neural crest-derived stem cell (NCSC)-like phenotype supports their potential for future therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative diseases and nerve injuries. However, most of the evidence is limited to the characterization of DRSCs as NCSCs by detecting the expression of neural crest markers. Only a few studies have provided proof of concept of an improved neuro-glial differentiation or direct applicability in relevant models. In addition, a current problem is that several of the existing protocols do not meet manufacturing standards for transferability to a clinical scenario. This review describes the current protocols to obtain NCSCs from DRSCs and their characterization. Also, it provides important considerations from previous work where DRSCs were established and characterized as mesenchymal stromal cells but studied for their neuro-glial differentiation potential. The therapeutic advancement of DRSCs would depend on establishing protocols that can yield a neural crest-like phenotype efficiently, using appropriate manufacturing standards and testing them in relevant models of disease or injury. Achieving these conditions could then facilitate and validate the therapeutic potential of DRSC-NCSCs in regenerative therapies.

Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Oral Cavity and Surrounding Areas: Types and Biomedical Applications

“…Indeed, studies are limited to the characterization of oral DMSCs as NCSCs by expression of neural crest markers (NCSCs) instead of testing their functional behavior. Only a few studies have observed glial differentiation enhanced or applicable in in vivo studies [ 72 ]. A systematic revision showed the importance of obtaining stability during the DMSC transplantation procedure based on control, quality, and efficacy of the cell populations, which can only be guaranteed by tackling heterogeneity even within the subgroup of stem cells isolated from human teeth that show significant differences in so far as their cell properties, such as proliferation and differentiation, in regenerative medicine [ 36 ].…”

“…In addition, safety concerns are included due to the potential teratogenic or neoplastic risk and the transmission of infectious diseases, among other no less important complications [ 85 , 88 ]. Also, a current problem is that several of the existing protocols do not meet manufacturing standards for transferability to a clinical setting [ 72 ]. In any case, a recent systematic study reflects the effectiveness of oral clinical studies with complete results on DMSC-mediated therapies compared to current methods based on patient evidence and concludes with the efficacy of the use of these cells in various pathologies.…”