Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth Differentiation and Characterization in to Islet like Pancreatic Cell Lineages – An Ex-vivo and In-vitro Study

Background and Objectives: Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) have been demonstrated as a novel population of adult stem cells capable of multi-differentiation potential.

Methods: Study samples comprise of 30 extracted exfoliating primary teeth collected from children aged 6 to 14 years. After attaining the required cell passage, flowcytometric analysis and trilineage differentiation was done to characterize SHEDs. Further SHEDs were differentiated into Islet like cell aggregates (ICAs) using Serum free media A,B&C. Differentiated ICAs were characterized by RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry, DTZ stain and insulin assay.

Results: Flowcytometric analysis of SHEDs showed expression of positive markers CD73, CD90 while no expression of negative markers CD34, CD45 and HLA-DR. Isolated SHEDs had the potential to differentiate into tri-lineages and ICAs. RT-PCR analysis of derived ICAs showed up-regulated expression of GAPDH, insulin, Glut2, PDX1 and PAX6. Immunofluorescence analysis gave expression of Ngn3, Isl-1, C-peptide, Glut2 and PDX1. DTZ stained positive on derived ICAs.Insulin secretion of SHED derived ICAs were measured 26 ± 6 MIU/L at basal glucose level, 128±3 MIU/L and 240 ±9 MIU/L at stimulated glucose level which gave a statistically significant difference in mean value of insulin secreted in different concentration of glucose (p<0.001). The net insulin secretion value of SHED derived ICAs at different glucose concentration was less when compared with Min 6 cells used as positive control.

Interpretation and Conclusion: Stem cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous teeth are mesenchymal stem cells which has the unique potential to differentiate into islet like cell aggregates and serve as a promising source of insulin which under standardized protocols and experimentations can be used for stem cell based therapy for insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.