Bone and Tooth Biology: Development and Regeneration
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 34
Special Issue Editor
Interests: signaling regulation of bone and tooth development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Bone and tooth tissues are classified as hard tissues, formed by highly specialized cells that secrete extracellular matrix and deposit mineral crystals. Despite some similarities, their developmental origins, morphogenesis, and signaling pathways differ significantly.
Tooth development begins with reciprocal interactions between the dental epithelium and mesenchyme, which guide the formation of both the crown and the root. Each component—the enamel, dentin–pulp complex, dental pulp, and cementum—has a distinct structure and is regulated by specific molecular signals.
Bone development involves mesenchymal cells derived from both the neural crest and the mesoderm. These cells either form cartilage templates for endochondral ossification or directly initiate intramembranous ossification. The two modes differ in tissue morphology and signaling mechanisms. Bone formation and homeostasis are also influenced by mechanical forces, hematopoiesis, and immune interactions, particularly through connections with muscle, bone marrow, and the neurovascular system.
Recent advances in regenerative biology have enabled new strategies for repairing or regenerating hard tissues. Approaches to bone regeneration increasingly explore the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), scaffolds, growth factors, and biomechanical cues to restore structure and function, particularly in critical-size defects or degenerative conditions. While the potential of MSCs and scaffold-based methods to support bone healing has been demonstrated, further research is needed to fully establish their efficacy and to optimize clinical protocols.
Tooth regeneration remains more complex due to the intricate structure of dental tissues. However, progress has been made in regenerating dentin–pulp complexes using dental-derived stem cells (e.g., DPSCs and SCAPs); additionally, research into enamel and cementum regeneration is ongoing. Techniques such as tissue engineering, 3D bioprinting, and the modulation of key signaling pathways (Wnt, BMP, FGF, and SHH) offer promising avenues. Whole-tooth regeneration, though not yet clinically achievable, is a major research goal.
This Special Issue will showcase recent progress in understanding the signaling mechanisms involved in the development and regeneration of bone and tooth tissues. We welcome original research and review articles covering topics such as embryonic and postnatal development, tissue remodeling, stem cell biology, biomineralization, and the interplay between hard tissues and immune or endocrine systems.
Dr. Xiaofang Wang
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- bone
- tooth
- osteogenesis
- odontogenesis
- enamel
- dentin
- cementum
- amelogenesis
- dentinogenesis
- regeneration
- stem cells
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