Neural Crest Stem Cells: A Therapeutic Hope Machine for Neural Regeneration

Neural crest cells are a migratory cell population and can generate different types of cells/tissues during embryonic and adult stages of vertebrate development, including neurons, glia, connective tissue, bone, cartilage, and both endocrine and pigment cells. Many studies have suggested that neural crest-derived stem cell populations persist into adulthood and are valuable cell sources for tissue repair and various regenerative medicine strategies. In adults, neural crest stem cells can be isolated from different tissues such as the skin and hair follicle. Recent studies have reported that tooth and dental tissues are easily accessible and rich source for neural crest-derived ectomesenchymal stem cells that can be used for cell-based therapy and regenerative medicine. Since they are preserved in adult human individuals and have a common origin with the nervous system, dental neural crest-derived ectomesenchymal stem cells have been suggested as excellent candidates for generation of neural cells/tissues for cellular therapy and applications in neuroregenerative medicine, ischemic stroke, and spinal cord injury. Herein, we will outline recent advances on the sources and therapeutic applications of neural crest stem cells, particularly for regenerative medicine and nerve tissue regeneration by cell therapy. We will also review recent advances in using dental and non-dental neural crest stem cells in neural tissue repair and regeneration