Mechanical Signaling in Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Abstract

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a type of mesenchymal stem cells derived from dental pulp that serves as an important model for investigating biological regeneration. DPSCs have a multipotent differentiation capacity and can promote different biological processes, including osteogenesis, odontogenesis, chondrogenesis, and angiogenesis. These biological processes are regulated by an extensive range of intra- and extra-cellular factors. Further, biomechanical cues, such as substrate stiffness, physical stress, and cell spreading, have been highlighted as particularly important modulators of DPSC function. This review sought to discuss various related signaling components involved in biomechanical cues and their respective roles in cellular and tissue responses in DPSCs, summarize current findings, and provide an outlook on the potential applications of biomechanics in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.