LepR ‐Expressing Cells in Bone and Periodontium

ABSTRACT Objective LepR‐expressing cells (LepR + cells), a critical subpopulation of mesenchymal stem cells, have gained increasing attention in the last decade. LepR + cells have been found to play a crucial role in maintaining bone and periodontal homeostasis. This review summarizes current research advances focusing on the role of LepR + cells and their underlying regulatory molecular mechanisms in bones and periodontium, aiming to provide a better understanding of the therapeutic potential of this cell lineage. Methods A literature review was conducted based on publications in PubMed over the past 20 years, summarizing the research progress on LepR + cells in bone and periodontal tissues. Results Current evidence revealed that LepR + cells possess the ability of self‐renewal and multilineage differentiation and are essential for bone turnover and periodontal tissue remodeling. In addition, LepR + cells participate in the processes of bone fracture healing and alveolar socket healing. Moreover, under pathological conditions such as osteoporosis, bone marrow fibrosis, and periodontitis, LepR + cells exhibit enhanced adipogenic or fibrogenic differentiation abilities. Conclusion Therapeutic approaches targeting the cell fate of LepR + cells hold the potential to provide novel insights into bone/periodontal repair and regeneration therapy.