Craniofacial and dental defects due to congenital disorders, trauma, and disease have devastating effects on individuals not only because vital sense organs and the brain are housed within the cranium, but also because our face represents an important aspect of our identity. Furthermore, dental and periodontal defects can lead to compromised general health. Tissue regeneration using stem cells or other approaches offers an important opportunity to provide a biological solution for patients.
Autotherapies take advantage of endogenous stem cells, reprogrammable host cells, and/or optimizing the local niche environment to support tissue regeneration. To highlight recent advancements in autotherapy we are specifically interested in studies covering the following topics:
1. Stem cells, their niche environment, endogenous cells reprogramming into stem or progenitor cells, and developmental biology in the craniofacial complex: Specifically, we welcome submissions characterizing endogenous stem cells and their contribution to tissue regeneration. We are very interested in studies addressing cell reprogramming in supporting tissue regeneration. We seek studies that will improve our understanding of the stem cell niche, such as the neurovascular bundle, extracellular matrix, signaling network, and exosomes as well as their impact on the fate of stem cells. We also invite studies that address how the development of different model organisms can inspire innovative design in tissue regeneration using endogenous progenitor cells.
2. The immune system and its interplay with other cells and their niche environment during tissue regeneration: Studies investigating how local or systemic inflammation may affect the function and fate determination of endogenous stem cells are of particular interest. Furthermore, we are interested in approaches to changing the microenvironment of diseased tissue in order to render it favorable for tissue regeneration.
3. Biomaterials and biomedical engineering: These are among the fastest-growing areas of research in tissue engineering and are important because of their ability to optimize support for endogenous tissue regeneration. Specifically, we would like to include studies on how biomaterials may modify the microenvironment to support tissue regeneration. We are also interested in studies highlighting innovative biomaterials and biomedical engineering approaches to support tissue regeneration. Finally, bio-integration in tissue engineering is also an important part of craniofacial tissue regeneration.
4. Clinical studies and lessons learned: We want to showcase strong integration between clinicians and laboratory researchers. Case studies and other types of studies documenting the successes and challenges of clinical trials will enhance our collective understanding of how to use autotherapies to regenerate tissues within the craniofacial complex.
The goal of this Research Topic is to highlight the recent progress in autotherapy in any tissue within the body, with special emphasis on dental and craniofacial tissue regeneration. We are seeking original research, reviews, case reports and perspective articles that will cover an array of areas including (1) the roles of stem cells, cell reprogramming, and the stem cell niche environment in dental, craniofacial and other tissue regeneration; (2) the immune system, its role in tissue homeostasis and diseases, and immunomodulation to support tissue regeneration; (3) biomaterials and biomedical engineering as they apply to the regeneration of dental, craniofacial and other tissues; and (4) integration of clinical studies with autotherapy in dental, craniofacial and other tissue regeneration.
Craniofacial and dental defects due to congenital disorders, trauma, and disease have devastating effects on individuals not only because vital sense organs and the brain are housed within the cranium, but also because our face represents an important aspect of our identity. Furthermore, dental and periodontal defects can lead to compromised general health. Tissue regeneration using stem cells or other approaches offers an important opportunity to provide a biological solution for patients.
Autotherapies take advantage of endogenous stem cells, reprogrammable host cells, and/or optimizing the local niche environment to support tissue regeneration. To highlight recent advancements in autotherapy we are specifically interested in studies covering the following topics:
1. Stem cells, their niche environment, endogenous cells reprogramming into stem or progenitor cells, and developmental biology in the craniofacial complex: Specifically, we welcome submissions characterizing endogenous stem cells and their contribution to tissue regeneration. We are very interested in studies addressing cell reprogramming in supporting tissue regeneration. We seek studies that will improve our understanding of the stem cell niche, such as the neurovascular bundle, extracellular matrix, signaling network, and exosomes as well as their impact on the fate of stem cells. We also invite studies that address how the development of different model organisms can inspire innovative design in tissue regeneration using endogenous progenitor cells.
2. The immune system and its interplay with other cells and their niche environment during tissue regeneration: Studies investigating how local or systemic inflammation may affect the function and fate determination of endogenous stem cells are of particular interest. Furthermore, we are interested in approaches to changing the microenvironment of diseased tissue in order to render it favorable for tissue regeneration.
3. Biomaterials and biomedical engineering: These are among the fastest-growing areas of research in tissue engineering and are important because of their ability to optimize support for endogenous tissue regeneration. Specifically, we would like to include studies on how biomaterials may modify the microenvironment to support tissue regeneration. We are also interested in studies highlighting innovative biomaterials and biomedical engineering approaches to support tissue regeneration. Finally, bio-integration in tissue engineering is also an important part of craniofacial tissue regeneration.
4. Clinical studies and lessons learned: We want to showcase strong integration between clinicians and laboratory researchers. Case studies and other types of studies documenting the successes and challenges of clinical trials will enhance our collective understanding of how to use autotherapies to regenerate tissues within the craniofacial complex.
The goal of this Research Topic is to highlight the recent progress in autotherapy in any tissue within the body, with special emphasis on dental and craniofacial tissue regeneration. We are seeking original research, reviews, case reports and perspective articles that will cover an array of areas including (1) the roles of stem cells, cell reprogramming, and the stem cell niche environment in dental, craniofacial and other tissue regeneration; (2) the immune system, its role in tissue homeostasis and diseases, and immunomodulation to support tissue regeneration; (3) biomaterials and biomedical engineering as they apply to the regeneration of dental, craniofacial and other tissues; and (4) integration of clinical studies with autotherapy in dental, craniofacial and other tissue regeneration.