Long non-coding RNA IGFBP7-AS1 promotes odontogenic differentiation of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth through autophagy: An in vitro study

•Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a key role in the regeneration of dental tissue.•The lncRNA, IGFBP7-AS1, promotes odontogenesis in vitro.•IGFBP7-AS1 upregulates autophagy during odontogenesis.•Inhibited autophagy suppresses odontogenesis in IGFBP7-AS1-overexpressed group.