Multipotent progenitor cells in gingival connective tissue.
The gum has an exceptional capacity for healing. To examine the basis for this property and explore the potential of conferring it to organs with inferior healing capacity, we sought the presence of progenitor cells in gingival connective tissue. Colony-forming units of fibroblast-enriched cells from gingival fibroblast cultures were assessed for expression of membrane markers of mesenchymal stem cells; capacity to differentiate into osteoblasts, chondroblasts, and adipocytes; and engraftment efficiency after in vivo transfer. On the basis of their ability to differentiate into several lineages, proliferate from single cells, induce calcium deposits, and secrete collagen in vivo after transfer on hydroxyapatite carriers, we suggest that this population represents gingival multipotent progenitor cells. The discovery of progenitor cells in gingival connective tissue may help improve our understanding of how the wounded gum is capable of almost perfect healing and opens the prospect of cellular therapy for wound healing using readily available cells at limited risk to the patient.
Fournier
Benjamin P J
BP
Paris Research Cardiovascular Center (PARCC), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM) U970, Paris-Descartes University, Paris, France. ciyiben@gmail.com
Ferre
François C
FC
Couty
Ludovic
L
Lataillade
Jean-Jacques
JJ
Gourven
Murielle
M
Naveau
Adrien
A
Coulomb
Bernard
B
Lafont
Antoine
A
Gogly
Bruno
B
D017667:Adipocytes / Q000166:cytology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D019902:Chondrocytes / Q000166:cytology; D005260:Female; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D005881:Gingiva / Q000166:cytology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D039902:Multipotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000166:cytology; D055815:Young Adult
D002118:Calcium