Osteogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells from rat mandible to regenerate critical sized calvarial defect

Although bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively explored in bone tissue engineering, only few studies using mesenchymal stem cells from mandible (M-MSCs) have been reported. However, mesenchymal stem cells from mandible have the potential to be as effective as femur-derived mesenchymal stem cells (F-MSCs) in regenerating bone, especially in the orofacial regions, which share embryonic origin, proximity, and accessibility. M-MSCs were isolated and characterized using mesenchymal stem cell–specific markers, colony forming assay, and multi-potential differentiation. In vitro osteogenic potential, including proliferation, osteogenic gene expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, and mineralization, was examined and compared. Furthermore, in vivo bone formations of F-MSCs and M-MSCs in rat critical sized defect were evaluated using microCT and histology. M-MSCs from rat could be successfully isolated and expanded while preserving their MSC’s characteristics. M-MSCs demonstrated a comparable proliferation and mineralization potentials and in vivo bone formation as F-MSCs. M-MSCs is a promising cell source candidate for craniofacial bone tissue engineering.