journal article·2025-09-10Open access

A Single-Nucleus Transcriptomic Atlas of Human Supernumerary Tooth Pulp Reveals Lineage Diversity and Transcriptional Heterogeneity Using PCA-Based Analysis

Eungyung Lee, In-Ryoung Kim

Applied Sciences· Volume 15· Issue 18

Abstract

(1) Background: Supernumerary teeth are developmental anomalies, and their pulp tissue may harbor unique cellular and molecular features. However, the biology of this rare tissue remains poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the cellular diversity and regenerative potential of supernumerary pulp at single-nucleus resolution. (2) Methods: Human supernumerary tooth pulp samples were analyzed using single-nucleus RNA sequencing. Gene expression profiles were processed and reduced to their main patterns of variation using principal component analysis (PCA), supported by clustering, pathway analysis, and lineage-specific scoring. (3) Results: The analysis suggested two dominant biological programs: a vascular–immune/stress axis and an extracellular matrix (ECM)/contractile remodeling axis. Vascular lineages were closely linked to immune and stress responses, while mesenchymal and perivascular populations were enriched in ECM-related pathways. Neural and glial contributions were relatively minor. (4) Conclusions: These findings suggest that supernumerary pulp appears to preserve key regenerative features similar to normal pulp, but with potential reinforcement of vascular–immune coupling and ECM remodeling. This work represents the first single-nucleus transcriptomic reference for supernumerary pulp, offering a foundation for future studies on dental pulp regeneration.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: dental development and anomalies · Bone and Dental Protein Studies · Endodontics and Root Canal Treatments

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro, 49, Mulguem-eup, Yangsan-si 50612, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea

Dental and Life Science Institute, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro, 49, Mulguem-eup, Yangsan-si 50612, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea

Dental Research Institute, Pusan National University Dental Hospital, 20 Geumo-ro, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan-si 50612, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea

Department of Oral Anatomy, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Busandaehak-ro, 49, Mulguem-eup, Yangsan-si 50612, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea

Funding

2025 Clinical Research Grant, Pusan National University Dental Hospital

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