The role of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) in regulation of osteogenic differentiation of rat dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs).

Objectives Primary isolated dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) possess a strong osteogenesis capability, and such capability is reduced during in vitro culture. Because dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) is essential in the maturation of osteoblasts, our objectives were to determine (1) the expression of DMP1 in the DFSCs, (2) the correlation between DMP1 expression and osteogenic capability of DFSCs, and (3) the ability of DMP1 to promote osteogenic differentiation of DFSCs.