Effect of Human Neural Crest-Related Stem Cell Homing (hNCSCs homing) on the Mineralization of Newly Formed Alveolar Bone using an Allogen Bone Substitute

Abstract

The therapies to regenerate periimplant bone tissues have attracted lots of attention these years. Neural crest-related stem cells (NCSCs), a group of cells containing heterogeneous stem/progenitor cells, are capable of homing to injured tissues and participating in periimplant bone regeneration. The amplification of autologous NCSCs potential in homing for self-repair/regeneration, therefore, might be considered as an alternative therapy except for traditional cell transplantation. However, the knowledge of the NCSCs homing and participation in bone regeneration is still known little. Cell homing has been regarded as a process of exit of hematopoietic stem cells from blood vessels by trans endothelization and subsequent migration. Here we broadly define cell homing as active recruitment of endogenous cells, including stem/progenitor cells, into an anatomic compartment. Accordingly, research is becoming increasingly focused on the homing and stimulation of native cells. For the purpose of directly observing NCSCs involvement in periimplant bone repair, different animal models were established to make their oral-derived NCSCs reconstituted with cells regenerating periimplant bone tissues. Here, we present a histological study for delivering homing factors to the site of implant placement by incorporation to allogen bone substitute as stem cell carrier material. We further show therapeutic strategies focusing on the stimulation of endogenous cells to support periimplant bone repair. NCSCs were found to aggregate in the periimplant niches and emerge in newly-formed bones or fibers. Some of them also co-expressed markers of fibroblasts or osteoblasts. These results indicated that NCSCs might contribute to the formation of new fibers and periimplant bone tissue during periimplant bone regeneration. In conclusion, we speculated that autologous NCSCs can shift into the surgical sites created by implant placement and participating in periimplant bone tissue repair.