PTEN-mediated regulation of dental mesenchymal stem cell function: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVES: Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) is a key negative regulator of intracellular signalling pathways that govern cell growth, survival, differentiation, and inflammatory responses. Growing evidence suggests that PTEN plays a critical role in regulating the biological functions of dental mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) with stem-like properties, which are central to dental tissue regeneration and repair. This review focuses on the functional roles of PTEN in dental MSCs DESIGN: A literature search was conducted in PubMed and SCOPUS from inception through October 12, 2025. English-language original studies investigating PTEN-mediated regulation of dental MSC function in vitro models were included. Data were synthesised qualitatively due to heterogeneity in experimental designs. RESULTS: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings demonstrate that PTEN regulates key biological processes in dental MSCs, including dental pulp stem cells, stem cells derived from exfoliated deciduous teeth, periodontal ligament stem cells, and gingival fibroblast cells, primarily through the PI3K/AKT signalling axis. Other mechanisms, including DNA methylation, microRNAs, and circular RNAs, participate in PTEN modulation, which is associated with altered cell behaviours, influencing lineage commitment, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, and differentiation. CONCLUSIONS: PTEN functions as a context-dependent regulator of the fate and homeostasis of dental MSCs. Precise modulation of PTEN signalling holds translational potential for modulating cell responses.