(PR023) The Effect of CPNE7 on Odontogenic Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells

Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) can differentiate into odontoblasts, which are essential for dentin formation. CPNE7, a protein secreted by dental epithelial cells, has been shown to enhance DSPP (Dentin Sialophosphoprotein) expression in odontoblastic cells, suggesting its potential to promote odontogenic differentiation. This study aimed to explore the effect of CPNE7 on the odontogenic capabilities of DPSCs. In vitro, DPSCs were cultured in an osteogenic medium with or without CPNE7 for 7, 14, and 21 days. Odontogenic differentiation was assessed through quantitative qRT-PCR analysis of DSPP expression. In crown fragment model, CPNE7 was applied to the pulp chambers of extracted human premolars with DPSCs seeded within. In HA/TCP transplant model, a mixture of DPSCs, HA-TCP, and CPNE7 was prepared. In root fragment model, cells mixed with a gel containing CPNE7 were injected into the canal. After preparation, these constructs were subcutaneously transplanted into SCID mice to assess the formation of dentin-like mineralized tissues. Preliminary data indicated that CPNE7 treatment enhanced DSPP expression after 21 days. In HA/TCP transplant model, the formation of new mineralization in CPNE7 group was significantly greater than in control group (p < 0.05). In root fragment model, CPNE7 treatment led to more extensive new dentin formation around the root canal surfaces compared to control group. In crown fragment model, new dentin formation was observed on pulp chamber surface in both CPNE7 and control groups. These findings suggest that CPNE7 significantly enhances the odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs and promotes dentin formation.