Parenchymal and stromal tissue regeneration of tooth organ by pivotal signals reinstated in decellularized matrix

Nat Mater. 2019 Jun;18(6):627-637. doi: 10.1038/s41563-019-0368-6. Epub 2019 May 21.

Abstract

Cells are transplanted to regenerate an organs' parenchyma, but how transplanted parenchymal cells induce stromal regeneration is elusive. Despite the common use of a decellularized matrix, little is known as to the pivotal signals that must be restored for tissue or organ regeneration. We report that Alx3, a developmentally important gene, orchestrated adult parenchymal and stromal regeneration by directly transactivating Wnt3a and vascular endothelial growth factor. In contrast to the modest parenchyma formed by native adult progenitors, Alx3-restored cells in decellularized scaffolds not only produced vascularized stroma that involved vascular endothelial growth factor signalling, but also parenchymal dentin via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In an orthotopic large-animal model following parenchyma and stroma ablation, Wnt3a-recruited endogenous cells regenerated neurovascular stroma and differentiated into parenchymal odontoblast-like cells that extended the processes into newly formed dentin with a structure-mechanical equivalency to native dentin. Thus, the Alx3-Wnt3a axis enables postnatal progenitors with a modest innate regenerative capacity to regenerate adult tissues. Depleted signals in the decellularized matrix may be reinstated by a developmentally pivotal gene or corresponding protein.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Homeodomain Proteins / genetics
  • Homeodomain Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Incisor / cytology
  • Incisor / embryology
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Molar, Third / cytology
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Parenchymal Tissue / cytology
  • Parenchymal Tissue / physiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • Regeneration
  • Stromal Cells / physiology
  • Swine
  • Tooth / cytology*
  • Tooth / embryology*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / genetics
  • Wnt3A Protein / genetics
  • Wnt3A Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • Alx3 protein, mouse
  • Homeodomain Proteins
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • WNT3A protein, human
  • Wnt3A Protein
  • Wnt3a protein, mouse
  • vascular endothelial growth factor A, mouse