About this Research Topic
Oral cavity, which is the initial part of the gastrointestinal tract and a portal of entry for foods and microbes, is composed of both hard and soft tissue structures such as bones, teeth, mucosal tissues, and periodontium. A breakdown of oral health causes serious microbial infections and malnutrition. Thus, developmental biology studies focusing on the applications of stem cells as a tool for tissue engineering and regenerative therapy for oral cavity have attracted medical and scientific attention. Indeed, early studies have stated that craniofacial neural crest cells (NCCs) that originate from the dorsal neural tube mainly form the oral tissues. Subsequent researches identified its progeny cells as mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) in the oral cavity. The application of such oral tissue stem cells seems promising for the regeneration of periodontal tissue, alveolar bones, and mucosal structures lost due to congenital anomalies, trauma, and infectious diseases. However, despite the advances in our understanding of the stem cells, scientific endeavor to establish a promising regenerative therapy stands still.
Accordingly, the current Research Topic intends to deepen our understanding of the cellular biology of oral stem cells, including NCCs, MSCs, skeletal stem cells, dental pulp stem cells and periodontal ligament stem cells. Studies exploring novel stromal stem cells that play a crucial role in developmental processes and homeostasis maintenance of the oral cavity are also encouraged. Moreover, we will aim to update the recent 3D cell culture systems such as organoids and organ-on-a-chip that can emulate development and pathophysiological conditions of the oral cavity. Finally, we also welcome studies on culture techniques regulating stem cells differentiation/function that will lead to novel regenerative cell therapies.
To draw a comprehensive picture of the development and regeneration of the oral cavity, developmental biology, stem cells, bone metabolism, mucosal system, tissue engineering, and dental studies are welcome to the collection. Specific subtopics include, but are not limited to:
• Neural crest cells
• Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells
• Skeletal stem cells
• Oral stem cells (dental pulp stem cells/periodontal ligament stem cells/dental follicle cells)
• Cell differentiation
• Signal transduction
• Oral pathophysiology
• Technological advances in 3D cell culture
• Regenerative cell transplantation therapy
Accordingly, the current Research Topic intends to deepen our understanding of the cellular biology of oral stem cells, including NCCs, MSCs, skeletal stem cells, dental pulp stem cells and periodontal ligament stem cells. Studies exploring novel stromal stem cells that play a crucial role in developmental processes and homeostasis maintenance of the oral cavity are also encouraged. Moreover, we will aim to update the recent 3D cell culture systems such as organoids and organ-on-a-chip that can emulate development and pathophysiological conditions of the oral cavity. Finally, we also welcome studies on culture techniques regulating stem cells differentiation/function that will lead to novel regenerative cell therapies.
To draw a comprehensive picture of the development and regeneration of the oral cavity, developmental biology, stem cells, bone metabolism, mucosal system, tissue engineering, and dental studies are welcome to the collection. Specific subtopics include, but are not limited to:
• Neural crest cells
• Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells
• Skeletal stem cells
• Oral stem cells (dental pulp stem cells/periodontal ligament stem cells/dental follicle cells)
• Cell differentiation
• Signal transduction
• Oral pathophysiology
• Technological advances in 3D cell culture
• Regenerative cell transplantation therapy
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
