Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) is involved in the differentiation of cementoblasts. The cells of epithelial rests of Malassez (ERM) may contribute to that process. However, little is known about the role of these epithelial cells in cementum repair. In the present study, we investigated the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALPase), @entity1096 ( @entity1096 ), @entity1841 and @entity13062 in epithelial cells (E cells) and fibroblastic cells (F cells) derived from the same @entity1 periodontal ligament. E cells were identified by immunoblotting with anti-cytokeratin 5 and 8 antibody. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that E cells have lower ALPase and @entity13062 mRNA levels than F cells. On the other hand, the expression of @entity1096 mRNA in E cells was stronger than in F cells. No significant difference was observed in @entity1841 expression between E and F cells. Thus, they have different expression patterns of ALPase, @entity13062 and @entity1096 , suggesting that ERM and mesenchymal cells in periodontal ligament may be cooperatively involved in cementum repair. Furthermore, E cell cultures will be useful in elucidating the role of ERM.

Differential gene expression of bone-related proteins in epithelial and fibroblastic cells derived from XXXX periodontal ligament.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['human'] @entity1841 :: ('650', 'Gene') :: ['bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2', 'BMP-2'] @entity1096 :: ('6696', 'Gene') :: ['OPN', 'osteopontin'] @entity13062 :: ('652', 'Gene') :: ['BMP-4']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['human']
