Stem Cell Research & Therapy•2026•DOI: 10.1186/s13287-026-05044-y
Tooth loss remains a major unmet clinical challenge, and current prosthetic approaches cannot restore the biological complexity, sensory function, or regenerative capacity of natural teeth. Recent progress in stem cell biology, developmental engineering, and regenerative biomaterials has opened new possibilities for biological tooth regeneration. This review integrates advances across three major research domains that together define the current landscape of translational regenerative dentistry. First, we discuss stem cell-based, scaffold-guided strategies for tooth regeneration. These approaches combine dental and nondental stem cells, including DPSCs, SCAPs, PDLSCs, SHED, and iPSC-derived lineages, with bioactive materials such as HA/TCP ceramics, dentin-derived extracellular matrix scaffolds, and natural or synthetic polymers to promote odontogenic differentiation, vascularization, and periodontal attachment. Second, we summarize emerging tooth organoid and bioengineered tooth germ technologies that recapitulate epithelial–mesenchymal interactions and enable controlled reconstruction of dentin–pulp and periodontal compartments for modeling human odontogenesis. Third, we highlight molecular regulation-driven therapeutic strategies, focusing on the modulation of Wnt, BMP, FGF, TGF-β, and USAG-1 pathways to stimulate endogenous tooth regeneration and correct developmental defects. Despite marked progress, challenges remain, including stable neurovascular integration, optimization of stem cell–material crosstalk, precise control of spatiotemporal signaling, and long-term functional stability in vivo. Finally, we outline future directions involving smart biomaterials, gene- and protein-based molecular targeting, organoid-guided regeneration, and iPSC-enabled personalized therapies, which may further accelerate the clinical translation of stem cell-based tooth regeneration.
Stem Cell Research & Therapy•2025•DOI: 10.1186/s13287-025-04131-w
Background Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition affecting around 50 million people worldwide. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) have emerged as a promising source for cellular therapy due to their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types and their paracrine effects. However, the direct injection of BMMSCs can lead to potential unpredictable impairments, prompting a renewed interest in their paracrine effects for AD treatment. The specific mechanism and central role of cytokines in this process have not been fully elucidated. Methods Mouse BMMSCs were isolated, validated, and then transplanted intracerebrally into APP/PS1 female mice. The behavioral tests, including open-field test, novel object recognition test, and Morris water maze were performed, followed by β-amyloidosis plaque and neuron apoptosis analyses. Then the tissue RNA sequencing and mBMMSC cytokine analysis were performed. A cytokine antibody array for BMMSCs and the brain slice models were performed with AD model tissues were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms. Finally, APP/PS1 mice were administrated with cytokine mixture for cognitive recovery. Results Our results demonstrated that BMMSCs significantly improved cognitive function, reduced beta-amyloid plaque deposition, and decreased apoptotic neurons through the activation of the AKT signaling pathway. Using a cytokine antibody array, we identified three highly expressed AKT pathway regulated neuroprotective factors in BMMSCs: IGF1, VEGF, and Periostin2. These cytokines were found to upregulate inhibitors of apoptosis family proteins (IAPs) and suppress Caspase-3 activity in brain slices induced with beta amyloidosis (Aβ), okadaic acid (OA), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). When injection of this cytokine mixture to APP/PS1 mice also resulted in a mitigation of cognitive impairment. Conclusions These findings suggest that the secretory factors IGF1, VEGF, and Periostin2 derived from BMMSCs play a crucial role in neuroprotection by modulating the AKT/IAPs pathway to restore neuronal function. These cytokine sets could be a potential therapeutic strategy for AD and lay the groundwork for promising clinical applications.
Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2025•DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025145
Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) expression is increased in wound tissue and contributes to wound healing. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that ANGPTL4 expression is significantly increased in epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) in the periwound epidermis during wound healing in mice. Increased Angptl4 expression is positively correlated with increased expressions of tumor growth factor-α, interleukin-1β, epidermal growth factor, nerve growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 7, and transforming growth factor-β1. Each of these molecules induces Angptl4 expression in mouse EpSCs. RNA sequencing of EpSCs derived from wild-type and Angptl4 knockout (Angptl4–/–) mice reveals altered expressions of genes involved in the cell cycle and cell proliferation in Angptl4–/– EpSCs, including a decrease in cyclin E2/A2/B1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) expression; an increase in Cdk inhibitor 2a (Cdkn2a) and Cdkn2b expression; and a decrease in the prolactin (PRL) family members Prl2a1, Prl8a1, Prl8a9, and Prl8a6. Mechanistic studies reveal that ANGPTL4 stimulates EpSC proliferation via PRL8a6-mediated upregulation of cyclins A2/E2/B1 and Cdk1, downregulation of Cdkn2a, and acceleration of cell cycle progression from the G1 to the S and G2 phases. In vivo studies demonstrate that Prl8a6 mRNA is upregulated by ANGPTL4 in mouse periwound tissue during skin wound healing. Knockdown of Angptl4 or Prl8a6 in periwound skin tissue impairs EpSC proliferation and delays wound re-epithelialization. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that, after skin injury, elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors in periwound tissue stimulate Angptl4 expression in EpSCs and that ANGPTL4 promotes EpSC proliferation by increasing Prl8a6 expression, thereby accelerating wound re-epithelialization.
Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2024•DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024070
Epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) play a vital role in skin wound healing through re-epithelialization. Identifying chemicals that can promote EpSC proliferation is helpful for treating skin wounds. This study investigates the effect of morroniside on cutaneous wound healing in mice and explores the underlying mechanisms. Application of 10‒50 μg/mL of morroniside to the skin wound promotes wound healing in mice. In vitro studies demonstrate that morroniside stimulates the proliferation of mouse and human EpSCs in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Mechanistic studies reveal that morroniside promotes the proliferation of EpSCs by facilitating the cell cycle transition from the G1 to S phase. Morroniside increases the expression of β-catenin via the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R)-mediated PKA, PKA/PI3K/AKT and PKA/ERK signaling pathways, resulting in an increase in cyclin D1 and cyclin E1 expression, either directly or by upregulating c-Myc expression. This process ultimately leads to EpSC proliferation. Administration of morroniside to mouse skin wounds increases the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK, the expressions of β-catenin, c-Myc, cyclin D1, and cyclin E1, as well as the proliferation of EpSCs, in periwound skin tissue, and accelerates wound re-epithelialization. These effects of morroniside are mediated by the GLP-1R. Overall, these results indicate that morroniside promotes skin wound healing by stimulating the proliferation of EpSCs via increasing β-catenin expression and subsequently upregulating c-Myc, cyclin D1, and cyclin E1 expressions through GLP-1R signaling pathways. Morroniside has clinical potential for treating skin wounds.
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology•2024•DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1000-4718.2024.04.003
AIM: Mangrove-associated plants are known for producing natural compounds with antitumor activity. Despite the potential therapeutic value of these compounds, the molecular mechanisms underlying their antitumor effects remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the antitumor properties of N-methylflindersine, an alkaloid derived from the mangrove-associated plant, Micromelum falcatum (Lour.) Tan., and its effects on U87 human glioblastoma cells. METHODS: We identified and isolated 15 compounds from the stem bark of Micromelum falcatum. Among these, we screened N-methylflindersine for its potential inhibitory effects on U87 cell growth. Various assays, including wound healing, Hoechst 33342/PI staining, and protein expression analysis, were conducted to investigate the compound's impact on cell migration, apoptosis, and autophagy-related proteins. RESULTS: Within 24 h, N-methylflindersine demonstrated the ability to reduce U87 cell migration and increase the apoptotic U87 cell population. Furthermore, it downregulated the anti-apoptosis protein Bcl-2 expression, upregulated the pro-apoptosis protein Bax expression, and elevated the ratio of autophagy-related protein LC3-II/LC3-I in U87 cells. Additionally, the ERK signaling pathway was found to be down-regulated following N-methylflindersine treatment. CONCLUSION: N-methylflindersine appears to induce both apoptosis and autophagic cell death in U87 cells, resulting in reduced cell growth. This effect seems to be associated with the downregulation of the ERK signaling pathway.
Stem Cell Research & Therapy•2026•DOI: 10.1186/s13287-026-05044-y
Tooth loss remains a major unmet clinical challenge, and current prosthetic approaches cannot restore the biological complexity, sensory function, or regenerative capacity of natural teeth. Recent progress in stem cell biology, developmental engineering, and regenerative biomaterials has opened new possibilities for biological tooth regeneration. This review integrates advances across three major research domains that together define the current landscape of translational regenerative dentistry. First, we discuss stem cell-based, scaffold-guided strategies for tooth regeneration. These approaches combine dental and nondental stem cells, including DPSCs, SCAPs, PDLSCs, SHED, and iPSC-derived lineages, with bioactive materials such as HA/TCP ceramics, dentin-derived extracellular matrix scaffolds, and natural or synthetic polymers to promote odontogenic differentiation, vascularization, and periodontal attachment. Second, we summarize emerging tooth organoid and bioengineered tooth germ technologies that recapitulate epithelial–mesenchymal interactions and enable controlled reconstruction of dentin–pulp and periodontal compartments for modeling human odontogenesis. Third, we highlight molecular regulation-driven therapeutic strategies, focusing on the modulation of Wnt, BMP, FGF, TGF-β, and USAG-1 pathways to stimulate endogenous tooth regeneration and correct developmental defects. Despite marked progress, challenges remain, including stable neurovascular integration, optimization of stem cell–material crosstalk, precise control of spatiotemporal signaling, and long-term functional stability in vivo. Finally, we outline future directions involving smart biomaterials, gene- and protein-based molecular targeting, organoid-guided regeneration, and iPSC-enabled personalized therapies, which may further accelerate the clinical translation of stem cell-based tooth regeneration.
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research•2026•DOI: 10.12307/2026.21381
BACKGROUND: Currently, the biomechanical differences between cervical rotation manipulation and cervical rotation-traction manipulation for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy have not been systematically elucidated. OBJECTIVE: To compare the biomechanical differences between cervical rotation manipulation and cervical rotation-traction manipulation in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy caused by cervical disc herniation, and to provide a basis for the rational selection of manipulation in clinical practice. METHODS: A 27-year-old Asian male patient with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy caused by left posterior cervical disc herniation compressing the nerve root was recruited. The CT scan data of the skull and cervical spine were extracted to construct a finite element model of the head and full cervical spine. After model validation, the key parameters of cervical rotation manipulation and rotation-traction manipulation were loaded into the model, and the effects of the two manipulations on the stress of intervertebral disc, facet joints, spinal cord and nerve roots, disc displacement, and intervertebral foramen volume were compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) In terms of Von-Mise stress, the maximum stresses of cervical rotation manipulation on the annulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus, and facet joints were 0.903, 0.139, and 2.186 MPa, respectively, which were significantly increased by 18%, 13%, and 30% compared with rotation-traction manipulation (0.765, 0.123, 1.682 MPa); while the maximum stress on the spinal cord and nerve roots was 2.547 MPa, which was 7% lower than that of rotation-traction manipulation (2.738 MPa). (2) In terms of displacement, the maximum forward displacement of the herniated side of the intervertebral disc by cervical rotation manipulation was 1.067 mm, which was 11.1% more than that of rotation-traction manipulation (0.960 mm). (3) In terms of intervertebral foramen volume changes, both manipulations increased the volume after implementation compared with before, with rotation manipulation increasing by 15.5% and rotation-traction manipulation increasing by 19.8%, the latter being more effective in expanding the intervertebral foramen volume. (4) It is suggested that cervical rotation manipulation has advantages in promoting the forward displacement of the herniated disc, but it produces higher stress on the intervertebral disc and facet joints, which may easily cause disc damage; rotation-traction manipulation will cause slightly higher stress on the spinal cord and nerve roots, but it can more effectively expand the intervertebral foramen volume and reduce the risk of disc structural damage. In clinical treatment, the advantages and disadvantages of the two manipulations should be carefully weighed and selected based on the patient's specific condition.
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research•2026•DOI: 10.12307/2026.21343
BACKGROUND: The occurrence of diabetic encephalopathy may be closely related to neuronal aging, but its underlying molecular mechanism is not fully understood. Therefore, exploring the role of neuronal senescence in diabetic encephalopathy is of great significance for further revealing the pathogenesis of diabetic encephalopathy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and mechanism of emodin on senescence of HT-22 cells under high glucose conditions. METHODS: HT-22 cells were divided into control group (glucose concentration 25 mmol/L), high glucose group (glucose concentration 55 mmol/L), and high glucose + emodin group (glucose concentration 55 mmol/L, emodin concentration 100 µmol/L) and cultured for 48 h. The growth state of cells in each group was observed under microscope; CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell viability; ELISA was used to detect telomerase reverse transcriptase activity; RT-qPCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of senescence-related proteins P53, P21, and P16; immunofluorescence, RT-qPCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of lamin A/C. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Compared with the control group, the high glucose group showed obvious growth inhibition under microscope, characterized by decreased cell number, increased cell volume, and flattened morphology; compared with the high glucose group, the high glucose + emodin group showed significantly increased cell number and more regular morphology. Compared with the control group, cell viability was significantly decreased in the high glucose group (P < 0.0001); compared with the high glucose group, cell viability was significantly increased in the high glucose + emodin group (P < 0.0001). Compared with the control group, telomerase reverse transcriptase activity was significantly decreased in the high glucose group (P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, the expression levels of P53, P21, and P16 were significantly increased in the high glucose group (P < 0.05); compared with the high glucose group, the expression levels of P53, P21, and P16 were significantly decreased in the high glucose + emodin group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression level of lamin A/C was significantly decreased in the high glucose group (P < 0.0001); compared with the high glucose group, the expression level of lamin A/C was significantly increased in the high glucose + emodin group (P < 0.05). The results indicate that emodin may slow down the senescence of HT-22 cells induced by high glucose by upregulating the expression of lamin A/C.
Acta Biochimica et Biophysica Sinica•2025•DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2025145
Angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4) is elevated in wound tissue and contributes to wound healing, but the mechanisms remain unclear. This study demonstrates that ANGPTL4 expression is significantly increased in epidermal stem cells (EpSCs) in the periwound epidermis during murine wound healing. Increased Angptl4 expression positively correlates with elevated levels of tumor growth factor-α, interleukin-1β, epidermal growth factor, nerve growth factor, fibroblast growth factor 7, and transforming growth factor-β1, each of which induces Angptl4 in EpSCs. RNA sequencing of EpSCs from wild-type and Angptl4 knockout (Angptl4–/–) mice reveals altered expression of cell cycle and proliferation genes, including decreased cyclin E2/A2/B1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1), increased Cdk inhibitor 2a (Cdkn2a) and Cdkn2b, and reduced prolactin (PRL) family members Prl2a1, Prl8a1, Prl8a9, and Prl8a6. Mechanistically, ANGPTL4 stimulates EpSC proliferation via PRL8a6-mediated upregulation of cyclins A2/E2/B1 and Cdk1, downregulation of Cdkn2a, and acceleration of G1 to S and G2 phase progression. In vivo, Prl8a6 mRNA is upregulated by ANGPTL4 in mouse periwound tissue during healing. Knockdown of Angptl4 or Prl8a6 impairs EpSC proliferation and delays re-epithelialization. These findings establish that after skin injury, proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors stimulate Angptl4 in EpSCs, and ANGPTL4 promotes EpSC proliferation by increasing Prl8a6, thereby accelerating wound re-epithelialization.