On Dental Cell Types and Cell Populations, Also in Light of Evolution
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| Year of publication | 2023 |
| Type | Chapter of a book |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | Odontodes are diverse and complex structures built by a plethora of cell types arising from different embryonic origins and located inside and outside of the mouth cavity. Understanding a spectrum of cell types building teeth and other odontodes, as well as their development, molecular programs, and, importantly, their evolution, is a key for understanding the diversity and progression of vertebrate animals in general, as protection, mastication, feeding tactics, and fending are key for adaptability and survival of the fittest. Here, we focus on teeth, their diversity, and cellular composition. Therefore, this chapter provides an overview of cell types, primarily building teeth and, especially, generating dental biomineralized tissues of different composition and evolutionary history. Furthermore, we talk about the recent progress in tracking the development and identity of dental cell types, which was fueled by a recent combination of single-cell transcriptomics and lineage-tracing methodologies. The developmental aspects are discussed for every major dental cell type and cell lineage, focusing in depth on epithelial and mesenchymal compartments. Finally, we introduce evolving molecular programs and cellular properties, equipping cells with functional features and directing their evolutionary diversification in a variety of teeth. |