Tissue Repair Mechanisms of Dental Pulp Stem Cells: A Comprehensive Review from Cutaneous Regeneration to Mucosal Healing

July 2025 in “ Current Issues in Molecular Biology ”

Jing He, Jiao Fu, Ruoxuan Wang, Xiaojing Liu, Juming Yao, Wenbo Xing, Xinxin Wang, Yan He

dental pulp stem cells DPSCs cutaneous regeneration mucosal healing wound healing angiogenesis extracellular matrix granulation tissue oxidative stress mechanical stimulation chronic wounds regenerative medicine

Studysummary This review discusses how dental pulp stem cells and their derivatives may accelerate skin wound healing by modulating inflammation, promoting angiogenesis, optimizing extracellular matrix structure, and enhancing tissue formation, with implications for translating these findings into therapies for skin and mucosal repair. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This review highlights the significant potential of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in tissue repair, particularly in cutaneous and mucosal healing. DPSCs contribute to wound healing by modulating inflammatory responses, promoting angiogenesis, and enhancing re-epithelialization through the secretion of bioactive factors like VEGF and TGF-β. They exhibit properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, and can differentiate into various cell types. DPSCs have shown promise in diabetic wound healing, mucosal repair, and even delaying chemotherapy-induced alopecia, although their role in true hair follicle regeneration remains unexplored. The review suggests that combining DPSCs with bioengineering materials and drugs can further enhance therapeutic outcomes, offering promising avenues for regenerative medicine.

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