BASIC FIBROBLAST GROWTH FACTOR REGULATES THE DIFFERENTIATION ABILITY OF STEM CELLS ISOLATED FROM HUMAN EXFOLIATED DECIDUOUS TEETH

Abstract

The basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) play a crucial role in various biological processes, including cell growth, survivor, migration and differentiation in several types of stem cells. In this dissertation was focusing particularly on stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs). SHEDs exhibited fibroblast-like morphology and express mesenchymal stem cell surface markers. These cells were able to differentiate into various lineages, including osteogenic, adipogenic, and neurogenic lineages. First, the roles of bFGF in dental tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells were reviewed. The evidences suggest that bFGF regulate stem cell behaviors may depend on several factors, including dose, exposure time and cells type. Second, roles of endogenous bFGF on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation were revealed. bFGF knockdown and chemical inhibition of fibroblast growth factor receptor led to the reduction of colony forming unit and the increase of osteogenic differentiation potency. Third, the effect of bFGF on stemness maintenance in SHEDs was examined. bFGF promoted a pluripotent marker, REX1, gene expression in SHEDs. The bFGF-induced REX1 expression was occurred via FGFR and Akt signaling pathway. In addition, the results demonstrated the participation of interleukin-6 in bFGF-induced REX1 expression. Together, these evidences support the influence of bFGF in the maintaining of stemness and controlling of differentiation ability toward osteogenic lineage in SHEDs.