Effect of CD146+ SHED on bone regeneration in a mouse calvaria defect model

Objective Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) have bone regeneration ability and potential therapeutic applications. CD146, a cell adhesion protein expressed by vascular endothelial cells, is involved in osteoblastic differentiation of stem cells. The effect of CD146 on SHED‐mediated bone regeneration in vivo remains unknown. We aimed to establish efficient conditions for SHED transplantation. Materials and methods SHED were isolated from the pulp of an extracted deciduous tooth and cultured; CD146‐positive (CD146+) and CD146‐negative (CD146−) populations were sorted. Heterogeneous populations of SHED and CD146+ and CD146− cells were transplanted into bone defects generated in the skulls of immunodeficient mice. Micro‐computed tomography was performed immediately and 4 and 8 weeks later. Histological and immunohistochemical assessments were performed 8 weeks later. Results Bone regeneration was observed upon transplantation with CD146+ and heterogeneous populations of SHED, with significantly higher bone regeneration observed with CD146+ cells. Bone regeneration was higher in the CD146− group than in the control group, but significantly lower than that in the other transplant groups at 4 and 8 weeks. Histological and immunohistochemical assessments revealed that CD146+ cells promoted bone regeneration and angiogenesis. Conclusion Transplantation of CD146+ SHED into bone defects may be useful for bone regeneration.