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.