| First Author | Yuan X | Year | 2018 |
| Journal | J Dent Res | Volume | 97 |
| Issue | 7 | Pages | 803-809 |
| PubMed ID | 29420105 | Mgi Jnum | J:379984 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:8279061 | Doi | 10.1177/0022034518755719 |
| Citation | Yuan X, et al. (2018) A Wnt-Responsive PDL Population Effectuates Extraction Socket Healing. J Dent Res 97(7):803-809 |
| abstractText | Stem cells residing in the periodontal ligament (PDL) support the homeostasis of the periodontium, but their in vivo identity, source(s), and function(s) remain poorly understood. Here, using a lineage-tracing mouse strain, we identified a quiescent Wnt-responsive population in the PDL that became activated in response to tooth extraction. The Wnt-responsive population expanded by proliferation, then migrated from the PDL remnants that remained attached to bundle bone, into the socket. Once there, the Wnt-responsive progeny upregulated osteogenic protein expression, differentiated into osteoblasts, and generated the new bone that healed the socket. Using a liposomal WNT3A protein therapeutic, we showed that a single application at the time of extraction was sufficient to accelerate extraction socket healing 2-fold. Collectively, these data identify a new stem cell population in the intact periodontium that is directly responsible for alveolar bone healing after tooth removal. |