Cdc42 is essential for the polarized movement and adhesion of human dental pulp stem cells

Objective: Stem cell-based tissue repair and regeneration require the regulation of cell migration and adhesion. As a regulator of cell polarization, Cdc42 (cell division control protein 42) plays a basic role at the initial stage of cell migration and adhesion. This study explores the effect of Cdc42 on the polarized migration and adhesion of hDPSCs (human dental pulp stem cells). Design: HDPSCs were isolated from extracted third molars and transfected with siRNA targeted against Cdc42. Scratch wound assays and transwell assays were performed to detect the migration of human dental pulp stem cells. Polarization assays were applied to explore the polarized movement of Golgi bodies and nuclei. Western blot was used to examine the expression of related proteins. Results: The expression of Cdc42 was knocked down by siRNA transfection, which inhibited the migration of hDPSCs in both the scratch wound assays and transwell assays. Meanwhile, the proportion of polarized hDPSCs during migration was also decreased, and the adhesion ability of hDPSCs was downregulated. Western blot demonstrated that these effects were dependent on FAK (focal adhesion kinase), beta-catenin and GSK3 beta (Glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that Cdc42 plays an essential role during the polarized movement and adhesion of hDPSCs.