Turning Dental Stem Cells Into Neurons: A New Step Toward Treating Brain Disorders

Stem cells & neurons

A new study published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy has shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)—the type of stem cell found in dental pulp—can be transformed into functional neurons. Researchers at the University of the Basque Country demonstrated that, when cultured under the right laboratory conditions, these stem cells developed properties similar to brain cells, including the ability to generate electrical activity.

One particularly promising result was that the cells began producing GABA, a neurotransmitter essential for balancing activity in the brain and preventing seizures. This suggests that these neuron-like cells aren’t just structurally similar to neurons, but could actually take on important roles in regulating brain function.

The potential applications are wide-ranging. Because mature neurons in the brain cannot regenerate once lost, many conditions—such as Huntington’s disease, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and stroke—remain difficult to treat. The ability to generate replacement neurons from MSCs could eventually open new therapeutic options for repairing damaged brain circuits.

The research is still in early stages. For now, the next step is to test whether these lab-grown neurons can integrate into living systems and function within the brain. But the findings highlight just how versatile mesenchymal stem cells can be in regenerative medicine.

Read the full article here: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250407/Human-dental-stem-cells-can-be-transformed-into-excitable-neuronal-cells-study-shows.aspx

What This Means for You

If therapies like this move forward, stem cells stored from teeth—whether baby teeth or wisdom teeth—could be developed into new neurons to replace those lost in brain injuries or neurodegenerative conditions. Instead of relying only on treatments that slow the progress of diseases, doctors might one day be able to restore brain function by rebuilding the damaged circuits themselves.