Gpc6+ Macrophages Participate In Key Stages Of Tooth Development

This study aims to uncover the diversity and developmental roles of macrophages in tooth formation, addressing a gap in current research that has largely overlooked their involvement. We analyzed five single-cell RNA sequencing datasets (GSE189381) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), including 5 tooth germ samples from mice across different stages. All datasets were under quality control, merged and analyzed by Seurat. Macrophage subtypes were identified based on marker gene from the FindAllMarkers. The cell proportions of these subtypes across different developmental stages were evaluated. Potential functions were inferred through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology (GO), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Gpc6+ macrophages showed a significant increase in proportions during bell stage and postnatal (PN) stage, the key stage of dentin formation. These macrophages exhibited high expression of collagen, versican, decorin, and periostin. Function enrichment analyses indicated that Gpc6+ macrophages regulate extracellular proteoglycans and contribute to ossification processes. These findings highlight the dynamic role of Gpc6+ macrophages in dentin formation, enhancing our understanding of their function in tooth development. They lay a theoretical foundation for future studies on tooth development and regenerative dental research, offering potential insights for therapeutic applications.