(PR100) The Evaluation of Salivary Gland Stem Cells in Odontogenic Potential

Salivary gland stem cells (SGSCs) are abundant and easy to obtain through minimally invasive cell isolation techniques. There are few studies focusing on odontogenic potential of SGSCs. The aim was to compare the odontogenic differentiation of SGSCs and dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). SGSCs of the lower lip were surgically obtained during excisional biopsy for a mucocele that finally proved to be histologically normal. SGSCs were isolated and identified with colony forming unit assay, WST1 assay, and osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation. The odontogenic potential of SGSCs was compared with DSPCs. The mineral formation in cultures was evaluated using alizarin red stain. The result showed many mesenchymal stem cells in the salivary gland histologically. Isolated SGSCs exhibited small, spindle-like, homogeneous morphology. SGSCs were capable of osteogenic, adipogenic, and neurogenic differentiation. SGSCs formed adherent clonogenic cell cluster; however, there were less CFU counts and proliferative rate than DPSCs. The highest mineralization was significantly observed in SGSCs compared with DPSCs under induction for 20 days (p < 0.05). The mineralization potential is stronger in SGSCs than in DPSCs. The SGSCs have the potential in dental regeneration.