Research progress of induced pluripotent stem cells in dentistry

In recent years, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have gradually become a research hotspot in tissue engineering. iPSCs are a class of cells with self-renewal capacity and multi-directional differentiation potential, capable of differentiating into various cell types. Oral tissue is a tissue with excellent regenerative capacity; therefore, the research on pluripotent stem cells in the oral cavity holds broad application prospects. iPSCs possess characteristics similar to embryonic stem cells and can be reprogrammed from somatic cells through genetic engineering techniques. Their enormous potential has been extensively studied and applied in oral tissue regeneration, disease treatment, and dental restoration. In the field of oral tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, certain progress has been achieved in the research of pluripotent stem cells in the oral cavity. This article reviews the origin and characteristics of induced pluripotent stem cells, their applications in the oral cavity, and their progress in the fields of tissue engineering and regeneration.