AUTHOR=Zhan Xinping , Xing Licheng , Meng Lin , Cheng Yingying , Wang Junjun , Wang Qiuxu , Sun Xiaolin 

TITLE=Morphological observations on the role of HERS cells in cementum development of rabbit molars

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology

VOLUME=Volume 13 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2025.1659704

DOI=10.3389/fbioe.2025.1659704

ISSN=2296-4185

ABSTRACT=ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between cementum development and epithelial stem cells in rabbit molars, as well as the associated morphological characteristics.MethodsA total of 25 New Zealand white rabbits were selected and divided into five age groups (14 days, 21 days, 28 days, 50 days, and 8 months). The developmental process of cementum was examined using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and histological methods.ResultsCementum in rabbit molars was classified into three types: acellular extrinsic fiber cementum (AEFC), cellular intrinsic fiber cementum (CIFC), and cellular mixed stratified cementum (CMSC). With increasing age, both the bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and bone mineral density of the cementum significantly increased (P < 0.05). Following apoptosis of epithelial cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiated into cementoblasts; however, the role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was found to be limited. The formation of functional cementum primarily depended on the insertion of periodontal ligament (PDL) fibers.ConclusionThe cementum of rabbit molars surrounds the enamel. With increasing age, both the volume and density of the cementum continue to increase, and its functions differ significantly based on its classification. EMT is not the principal mechanism involved.