Comparative characterization and analysis of telomere length in stem cells derived from deciduous and permanent teeth

Abstract

Background: Understanding the influence of age on growth kinetics and telomere length in dental
stem cells is essential for the successful development of cell therapies. Hence, the present study
compared the basic cellular and phenotypical characteristics of stem cells from human exfoliated
deciduous teeth (SHEDs) and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) of permanent teeth and their telomere
lengths using quantitative real‑time polymerase chain reaction.
Materials and Methods: The study is an in vitro original research article. Primary cultures of
SHED and DPSCs (n = 6 each) were successfully established in vitro, and the parameters analyzed
were the morphology, viability, proliferation rate, population doubling time (PDT), phenotypic
markers expression, and the relative telomere lengths. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance
and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: SHED and DPSCs exhibited a small spindle‑shaped fibroblast‑like morphology with >90%
viability. The proliferation assay showed that the cells had a typical growth pattern. The PDT values
of SHED and DPSCs were 29.03 ± 9.71 h and 32.05 ± 9.76 h, respectively. Both cells were positive
for surface markers CD29, CD44, and CD90. However, they were negative for CD45 and human
leukocyte antigen DR. Although the differences in relative telomere lengths between the individual
cell lines of SHED and DPSCs were observed, no significant (P > 0.05) variations were found for
the mean T/S ratios of both the cells.
Conclusion: SHED and DPSCs displayed similar morphology, proliferation rates, and phenotypic
features. The relative telomere lengths were slightly shorter in DPSCs than SHED, but the values
were not significantly different. Thus, SHED and DPSCs can be considered as recognized sources
for regenerative applications in dentistry.
Key Words: Deciduous teeth, dental pulp, stem cells, telomere