Heterogeneity demonstrates that stem cells are constituted by several sub-clones in various differentiation states. The heterogeneous state is maintained by cross-talk among sub-clones, thereby ensuring stem cell adaption. In this study, we investigated the roles of heterogeneity on genetic stability. Three sub-clones (DF2, DF8 and DF18) were isolated from heterogeneous dental stem cells (DSCs), and were proved to be chromosome instability (CIN) after long term expansion. Cell apoptosis were not detected in sub-clones, which exhibited strong tumorigenesis tendency, coupled with weak expression of p53 and aberrant ultra-structure. However, 3 sub-clones did not overexpress tumor related markers or induce tumorigenesis in vivo. The mixed-culture study suggested that 3-clone-mixed culturing cells (DF1) presented apparent decrease in the ratio of aneuploidy. The screening experiment further proved that 3 sub-clones functioned separately in this modification procedure but only mixed culturing all 3 sub-clones, simulated heterogeneous microenvironment, could achieve complete modification. Additionally, osteogenesis capability of 3 sub-clones was partially influenced by CIN while DSCs still kept stronger osteogenesis than sub-clones. These results suggested aberrant sub-clones isolated from heterogeneous DSCs were not tumorigenesis and could modify CIN by cross-talk among themselves, indicating that the heterogeneity played a key role in maintaining genetic stability and differentiation capability in dental stem cells.
Keywords: CIN; DFSCs; aneuploidy; cell-based therapy; heterogeneity.