Neural crest-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to play an essential function during tooth and skeletal development. PRX1⁺ cells constitute an important MSC subtype that is implicated in osteogenesis. However, their potential function in tooth development and regeneration remains elusive. In the present study, we first assessed the cell fate of PRX1⁺ cells during molar development and periodontal ligament (PDL) formation in mice. Furthermore, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis was performed to study the distribution of PRX1⁺ cells in PDL cells. The behavior of PRX1⁺ cells during PDL reconstruction was investigated using an allogeneic transplanted tooth model. Although PRX1⁺ cells are spatial specific and can differentiate into almost all types of mesenchymal cells in first molars, their distribution in third molars is highly limited. The PDL formation is associated with a high number of PRX1⁺ cells; during transplanted teeth PDL reconstruction, PRX1⁺ cells from the recipient alveolar bone participate in angiogenesis as pericytes. Overall, PRX1⁺ cells are a key subtype of dental MSCs involved in the formation of mouse molar and PDL and participate in angiogenesis as pericytes during PDL reconstruction after tooth transplantation.

已知神经嵴衍生的间充质干细胞 (MSCs) 在牙齿和骨骼发育过程中发挥重要作用。PRX1 ⁺细胞构成与成骨有关的重要 MSC 亚型。然而，它们在牙齿发育和再生中的潜在功能仍然难以捉摸。在本研究中，我们首先评估了 PRX1 ⁺细胞在小鼠磨牙发育和牙周膜 (PDL) 形成过程中的细胞命运。此外，进行单细胞RNA测序分析以研究PDL细胞中PRX1 ^{+细胞的分布。}使用同种异体移植牙模型研究了 PDL 重建过程中 PRX1 ^{+细胞的行为。}虽然 PRX1 ⁺细胞具有空间特异性，可以在第一磨牙中分化成几乎所有类型的间充质细胞，它们在第三磨牙中的分布非常有限。PDL 形成与大量 PRX1 ⁺细胞有关；在移植牙 PDL 重建过程中，来自受体牙槽骨的PRX1 ^{+细胞作为周细胞参与血管生成。}总体而言，PRX1 ⁺细胞是牙科 MSCs 的关键亚型，参与小鼠磨牙和 PDL 的形成，并在牙齿移植后 PDL 重建过程中作为周细胞参与血管生成。