LepR-Expressing Cells in Bone and Periodontium

Objective: LepR-expressing cells (LepR⁺ cells), a critical subpopulation of mesenchymal stem cells, have gained increasing attention in the last decade. LepR⁺ cells have been found to play a crucial role in maintaining bone and periodontal homeostasis. This review summarizes current research advances focusing on the role of LepR⁺ cells and their underlying regulatory molecular mechanisms in bones and periodontium, aiming to provide a better understanding of the therapeutic potential of this cell lineage.

Methods: A literature review was conducted based on publications in PubMed over the past 20 years, summarizing the research progress on LepR⁺ cells in bone and periodontal tissues.

Results: Current evidence revealed that LepR⁺ cells possess the ability of self-renewal and multilineage differentiation and are essential for bone turnover and periodontal tissue remodeling. In addition, LepR⁺ cells participate in the processes of bone fracture healing and alveolar socket healing. Moreover, under pathological conditions such as osteoporosis, bone marrow fibrosis, and periodontitis, LepR⁺ cells exhibit enhanced adipogenic or fibrogenic differentiation abilities.

Conclusion: Therapeutic approaches targeting the cell fate of LepR⁺ cells hold the potential to provide novel insights into bone/periodontal repair and regeneration therapy.