Dentin elasticity may contribute to the differentiation of dental follicle cells into cementoblast lineages

Cementum is an important mineralized tissue attached to root dentin surface, which is secreted by highly differentiated cells named cementoblasts. It is commonly suggested that DFCs (dental follicle cells) are precursor cells responsible for various kinds of periodontal cells including cementoblasts, fibroblasts and osteoblasts. However, the mechanisms regulating DFCs differentiation are still unclear. At the onset of cementogenesis, DFCs have access to contacting with root dentin surface after penetrating disintegrated HERS (Hertwig's epithelial root sheath). Since matrix elasticity can direct stem cell lineage specification, we hypothesize that dentin elasticity may be an effective factor for DFCs differentiation into cementoblasts. This hypothesis supplements another possible mechanism for periodontal development, and further, we can utilize dentin or other materials with similar mechanical properties to fabricate bioengineered tooth roots for patients suffering from tooth loss.