Peng L, Ren LB, Dong G, Wang CL, Xu P, Ye L, Zhou XD. Wnt5a promotes differentiation of human dental papilla cells. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 404–412, 2010. Aim  To investigate the role of Wnt5a in the process of differentiation of human dental papilla cells (HDPCs). Methodology  Recombinant adenovirus encoding full‐length Wnt5a cDNA was constructed to investigate the biological role of Wnt5a on the differentiation of HDPCs. The effect of Wnt5a on HDPCs differentiation was determined by ALP activity assay, ALP staining and mineral induction assay. Mineralization‐related gene expressions were assessed by RT‐PCR. Results  Immunostaining revealed Wnt5a expression in the odontoblast layer and dental papilla tissue. Over‐expression of Wnt5a by transfecting HDPCs with an Wnt5a‐carrying construct increased ALPase activity and the formation of mineralized nodules of HDPCs. RT‐PCR analysis showed that the expressions of mineralization‐related genes, such as bone sialoprotein, collagen type I, osteonectin, osteopontin (OCN), dentine matrix protein‐1 were up‐regulated by Wnt5a. Conclusions  Wnt5a promoted differentiation of HDPCs.