Three-dimensional Imaging Reveals New Compartments and Structural Adaptations in Odontoblasts

• Published in: Journal of dental research 2015-07, Vol.94 (7), p.945-954
• Main Authors: Khatibi Shahidi, M., Krivanek, J., Kaukua, N., Ernfors, P., Hladik, L., Kostal, V., Masich, S., Hampl, A., Chubanov, V., Gudermann, T., Romanov, R.A., Harkany, T., Adameyko, I., Fried, K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation; Ameloblasts - cytology; Ameloblasts - ultrastructure; Animals; Cell Compartmentation; Cell Nucleus - ultrastructure; Cell Shape; Cell Surface Extensions - ultrastructure; Communication; Councils; Data analysis; Dental pulp; Dental Pulp - cytology; Dental Pulp - ultrastructure; Dentin; Dentin - ultrastructure; Dentistry; Extracellular Matrix - ultrastructure; Fluorescent Antibody Technique; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; Incisor - cytology; Incisor - ultrastructure; Ion beams; Ion channels; Ion Channels - ultrastructure; Localization; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells - cytology; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells - ultrastructure; Mice; Mice, Transgenic; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning - methods; Morphology; Odontoblasts; Odontoblasts - cytology; Odontoblasts - ultrastructure; Scanning electron microscopy; Teeth; Transient receptor potential proteins; TRPM Cation Channels - ultrastructure
• ISSN: 0022-0345; 1544-0591
• DOI: 10.1177/0022034515580796

In organized tissues, the precise geometry and the overall shape are critical for the specialized functions that the cells carry out. Odontoblasts are major matrix-producing cells of the tooth and have also been suggested to participate in sensory transmission. However, refined morphologic data on these important cells are limited, which hampers the analysis and understanding of their cellular functions. We took advantage of fluorescent color-coding genetic tracing to visualize and reconstruct in 3 dimensions single odontoblasts, pulp cells, and their assemblages. Our results show distinct structural features and compartments of odontoblasts at different stages of maturation, with regard to overall cellular shape, formation of the main process, orientation, and matrix deposition. We demonstrate previously unanticipated contacts between the processes of pulp cells and odontoblasts. All reported data are related to mouse incisor tooth. We also show that odontoblasts express TRPM5 and Piezo2 ion channels. Piezo2 is expressed ubiquitously, while TRPM5 is asymmetrically distributed with distinct localization to regions proximal to and within odontoblast processes.