Identification and isolation of the mesenchymal stem cells from the general population of oral mucosa-derived cells may further improve regenerative therapies. Using cutting edge technology, we’ve been able to identify the subpopulation of mesenchymal stem cells with superior osteogenic capacity and furthermore, to unveil a list of unique markers to isolate these cells. Our findings could make the oral mucosa-derived mesenchymal stem cells preferable cellular source in the field of bone tissue engineering and further promote regenerative approaches for bone tissue reconstruction.

UNMET NEED
Oral mucosa-derived cells have been extensively investigated as a potential source for regenerative therapy of a wide range of pathological conditions and diseases. However, they contain heterogeneous mixtures of cells with distinct properties, with only a small proportion of mesenchymal stem cells which are crucial for regenerative therapies. Yet, despite the growing interest in oral mucosa-derived mesenchymal stem cells for regenerative therapy, no study to date has provided a method for their identification and isolation.

OUR SOLUTION
Using single-cell RNA-sequencing technology allowed us to identify the subpopulation of mesenchymal stem cells with significant differentiation potential, and to unveil a patentable panel of biomarkers to distinguish and isolate these cells from the bulk population of oral mucosa-derived cells.
Based on the panel of our recently discovered biomarkers every person specialized in the field of cell therapy and tissue engineering can isolate the mesenchymal stem cells from the easily accessible oral mucosa using widely available techniques, such as antibody-mediated, fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), for wide range of medical applications.

APPLICATIONS
Treatment of a wide range of extra- and intra-oral pathological conditions and diseases, such as bone defects, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and periodontal regeneration.

STATUS
Using single-cell RNA sequencing we identified panel of patentable markers for isolation of oral mucosa-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Additional experiments are required to determine the most applicable combination of the markers which will lead to accurate isolation of cells with superior osteogenic potential.
These experiments are performed currently in our lab and will strengthen the case for the potential usage of oral mucosa-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the field of cell therapies and tissue engineering.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Provisional patent application.

REFERENCES
Single-cell Transcriptomic Analysis of Oral Masticatory and Lining Mucosa-derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. Submitted.