Title:Identification and Characterization of Intraoral and Dermal Fibroblasts Revisited
Volume: 12
Issue: 8
Author(s): Nurul Hafizah Mohd Nor, Zurairah Berahim*, Ahmad Azlina, Khairani Idah Mokhtar and Thirumulu Ponnuraj Kannan
Affiliation:
- School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, P.O. Box: 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan,Malaysia
Keywords:
Dermal fibroblast, differences, gingival fibroblast, oral mucosa fibroblast, periodontal ligament fibroblast, similarities.
Abstract: Background: Fibroblasts are the common cells used in clinical regenerative medicine and
dentistry. These cells are known to appear heterogeneous in vivo. Previous studies have only investigated
the biological properties of these cell subpopulations in vitro. Despite sharing similarity in their
spindle-shaped appearance, previous literatures revealed that they play distinguished functional and
biological activities in the body.
Objective: This paper highlights the similarities and differences among these cell subpopulations, particularly
between intraoral fibroblasts (human periodontal ligament, gingival and oral mucosa fibroblasts)
and dermal fibroblasts based on several factors including their morphology, growth and proliferation
rate.
Results: It could be suggested that each subpopulation of fibroblasts demonstrate different positionspecified
gene signatures and responses towards extracellular signals. These dissimilarities are crucial
to be taken into consideration to employ specific methodologies in stimulating these cells in vivo.
Conclusion: A comparison of the characteristics of these cell subpopulations is desired for identifying
appropriate cellular applications.
