Fibroblast growth factor signaling is essential for self-renewal of dental epithelial stem cells

Abstract

Background:Understanding of the self-renewal and differentiation of dental epithelial stem cells (DESCs) is important for tooth regeneration therapies. Results:Depletion of FGF signaling suppressed self-renewal and led to differentiation of DESCs. Conclusion:FGF signaling is essential for maintenance of DESCs. Significance:The finding sheds new light on the mechanism by which the homeostasis, expansion, and differentiation of DESCs are regulated. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.