iPSgen BoneReg

iPS cell generation from jaw periosteum: is the resulting osteogenic capacity more efficient?

01/03/2021 to 31/12/2023

New and effective therapies are urgently needed in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery to enable regeneration of in particular large bone defects. Tissue engineering strategies represent the most promising therapeutic option.
The unique specialization of jaw periosteal cells (JPCs) withstanding high mechanical load during mastication, makes them to attractive candidates for cell-based therapies for oral and maxillofacial surgeries.
In the first funding period of our joint project, we generated for the first time induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from jaw periosteal cells and successfully published this work. We established a completely xeno-free protocol and used a self-replicating RNA construct in order to perform a footprint-free cell reprogramming. In the next step, we generated induced mesenchymal stromal cells (iMSCs) from these iPS cells, which in turn showed strong mineralization potential in 2D culture.
In view of future clinical application, we move forward to develop iMSC-seeded 3D constructs and test cell functions (particularly the differentiation potential) and biocompatibility of constructs in vitro and in vivo by using an immunodeficient mouse model.
By the realization of this project, we open up a new stem cell source for bone tissue engineering and establish a clinically applicable approach for iPS cell-based therapies.