Permalink : http://hdl.handle.net/2115/67335

KEYWORDS : mesenchymal stem cell;gingiva;regeneration;multilineage differentiation

The gingiva is a unique oral tissue overlaying the alveolar ridges. It is recognized as a biological mucosal barrier and a distinct component of the oral mucosal immunity. This tissue can easily be obtained in the clinic as a discarded biological sample. Recently, gingival mesenchymal stem cells (G-MSCs) have been isolated and characterized as abundant and easily accessible, as compared to other mesenchymal stem cell sources. Many reports described G-MSCs as having much potential for multilineage differentiation and show remarkable tissue regenerative properties. Primary experimental therapeutic applications of G-MSCs are potentially superior to conventional clinical treatment modalities. Several studies have recently applied G-MSCs to stem cell-based therapy and revealed that G-MSCs have many advantages as a candidate cell source for bone regeneration and periodontal tissue regeneration. This review summarizes the scientific evidence on G-MSCs' isolation, their characterization, and their regenerative properties.