Spatial signalling mediated by the transforming growth factor-β signalling pathway during tooth formation

Abstract

The stage at which tooth precursor cells in suspension form tooth-like structures has been determined in rat cells. Xue-Dong Zhou of Sichuan University, China, and colleagues created single-cell preparations from tooth precursor cells at different stages of development, and assessed their ability to form tooth structures when removed from the normal surroundings of tooth development. The results showed that cells 16.5 days old or more formed distinct tooth-like structures including pulp and dentin, while younger cells formed disordered tissue. Cells aged 18.5 days before isolation went on to exhibit partially formed enamel. The researchers suggest the TGF-beta signaling pathway, identified in previous studies as a mediator of tooth formation, may play a role in this setting. The findings warrant further investigation into tooth bioengineering, which may ultimately yield therapies to replace defective teeth in humans.

Keywords

positional information / transforming growth factor-β signalling pathway / tooth development

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