Isolation and enhancement of a homogenous in vitro human Hertwig's epithelial root sheath cell population

Int J Mol Sci. 2013 May 27;14(6):11157-70. doi: 10.3390/ijms140611157.

Abstract

Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) cells play a pivotal role during root formation of the tooth and are able to form cementum-like tissue. The aim of the present study was to establish a HERS cell line for molecular and biochemical studies using a selective digestion method. Selective digestion was performed by the application of trypsin-EDTA for 2 min, which led to the detachment of fibroblast-like-cells, with the rounded cells attached to the culture plate. The HERS cells displayed a typical cuboidal/squamous-shaped appearance. Characterization of the HERS cells using immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis showed that these cells expressed pan-cytokeratin, E-cadherin, and p63 as epithelial markers. Moreover, RT-PCR confirmed that these cells expressed epithelial-related genes, such as cytokeratin 14, E-cadherin, and ΔNp63. Additionally, HERS cells showed low expression of CD44 and CD105 with absence of CD34 and amelogenin expressions. In conclusion, HERS cells have been successfully isolated using a selective digestion method, thus enabling future studies on the roles of these cells in the formation of cementum-like tissue in vitro.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amelogenin / genetics
  • Amelogenin / metabolism
  • Cadherins / genetics
  • Cadherins / metabolism
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Separation / methods*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Enamel Organ / cytology*
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Keratinocytes / cytology
  • Keratinocytes / metabolism
  • Keratins / genetics
  • Keratins / metabolism
  • Tooth Root / cytology*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Amelogenin
  • Cadherins
  • TP63 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Keratins