A Multipotent hPDL Cell Line Promotes Neurocytic Differentiation and Migration

Objectives:Recent reports showed the presence of somatic stem cells in periodontal ligament (PDL). Our recent study demonstrated that a clonal human PDL cell line, cell line 1-17, showed multipotency and expressed the embryonic stem cell-related pluripotency genes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are known to promote functional recovery of damaged neurons. However, the regenerative effect of PDL stem cells on neurons is unknown. Therefore, we aimed to use cell line 1-17 to clarify the neuroregenerative effect of PDL stem cells. Methods:PC12, which is known to extend its neurites in response to some factors, was subjected to the mixed co-culture with cell line 1-17 in PC12 maintenance media, or cultured in the conditioned media of cell line 1-17. The efficacies of cell line 1-17 on the differentiation and chemotaxis of PC12 were analyzed. Result:While a mixed co-culture of PC12 with fixed cell line 1-17 slightly induced the extension of dendrite-like processes of PC12, the condition media of cell line 1-17 increased more. In addition, a separated co-culture with cell line 1-17 induced 14.6±1.8-fold increase of the number of migrated PC12, compared with the control culture. Conclusion:The present study indicated that cell line 1-17 included the potentials to promote the neurocytic differentiation and migration of PC12. These results suggest that PDL stem cells would secrete some factors that play important roles in the regeneration of damaged neurons.