Evaluation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells Expressing BMP2/7 Heterodimers in a Doxycycline-Inducible Manner

The BMP2/7 heterodimer is known as a stronger inducer of osteogenic differentiation than BMP2 or BMP7 homodimers. Our aim was to establish BMP2/7-expressing human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) to evaluate tReceived: 23 October 2025; Revised: 29 November 2025; Accepted: 3 December 2025; Published: 3 December 2025 he osteogenic potential of the genetically modified cells. Lentiviral transduction was used to introduce the Tet-ON-regulated transgene-containing vector to the cells. Endogenous heterodimers were detected at the mRNA and protein levels using RNA-seq, qPCR, and Western blot, while secreted heterodimers were detected using ELISA assays. Osteogenic differentiation was monitored by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization, and the expression levels of <i>RUNX2</i> and <i>ALPL</i> genes. Our results showed that ALP activity did not change in the transduced DPSCs; however, increased mineralization was detected, which correlates with the results obtained by RNA sequencing. Based on our results, BMP2/7-expressing DPSCs could be used in the treatment of bone defects, where heterodimers may have not only autocrine but also paracrine effects.