Direct reprogramming of oral epithelial cells into mesenchymal-like cells

(Health Sciences University of Hokkaido) The epithelial cell rests of Malassez (ERM) derived from the periodontal ligament were transformed into progenitor stem-like cells after stimulation with epigenetic agents. Subsequently, the progenitor stem-like cells were dedifferentiated into stem-like cells. The progenitor stem-like cells could be directly differentiated into endothelial, mesenchymal stem, and osteogenic cells that constitute the periodontal ligament. Thus, isolated ERM cells may be us...