Insights Into How Oral Cells Regenerate Without Scarring
Researchers at Penn Dental Medicine have discovered why oral tissues heal rapidly without scarring. By identifying unique fibroblasts in the mouth, they hope to harness these cells to improve healing in other parts of the body.
Penn Dental Medicine researchers have uncovered why scars rarely form in the mouth, a mystery that has intrigued scientists for years. According to Kang Ko, DMD, DScD, oral tissues exhibit unique regenerative properties due to specialized cells called paired-related homeobox-1+ (Prx1+) fibroblasts. These cells, found in the anterior palate, promote rapid wound healing, a process not observed in the posterior palate where these cells are absent. By studying mice, the team demonstrated that transplanting Prx1+ fibroblasts to slower-healing regions accelerated the healing process, while removing them delayed it. The same fibroblasts were identified in human gingival samples, suggesting a similar healing mechanism. This discovery highlights the active role of fibroblasts in immune response and wound healing. Ko envisions using these findings to enhance periodontal regeneration and improve healing in other body areas, shifting the focus from scar formation to true tissue regeneration. Click here to read more.
