Guest Editor:

Thomas G.H. Diekwisch, DMD, Ph.D. (sc.), Ph.D. (phil.)
Professor and Head, Department of Periodontics
Director, Center for Craniofacial Research and Diagnosis
Bernard Gottlieb Endowed Chair in Craniofacial Research
Department of Periodontics
Texas A & M University

Deadline for manuscript submission: February 1, 2019

Expected Publication Date: July 2019

The periodontal region is a textbook example for the role of stem cells and progenitors in tissue homeostasis: Periodontal stem cells control the non-mineralized state of the periodontal ligament as it is surrounded by the flanking mineralized tissues alveolar bone and cementum. Osteoblast and osteoclast progenitors balance the anabolic and catabolic processes that model and shape the alveolar bone socket and affect tooth root anchorage as a result. On an epigenetic level, periodontal homeostasis is regulated by histone methylation, DNA methylation, and microRNAs. From a disease perspective, the periodontal host response is an inflammatory response to the disruption of microbial homeostasis in the periodontium. Lastly, efforts to regenerate and/or to engineer periodontal tissues must maintain all aspects of periodontal homeostasis to ensure long-term function and tissue integration. This Special Issue will present state-of-the-art research that investigates the role of stem cells in periodontal homeostasis, as it relates to genes, proteins, epigenetic mechanisms, and materials design. We anticipate that this volume will establish a new benchmark in our understanding of the many fine-tuning mechanisms that maintain a healthy tooth attachment apparatus and the events that are involved in its dysregulation as a result of periodontal disease.

In this Stem Cells and Development special issue, we are seeking high-quality review articles and original research papers on the following topics related to periodontal disease and regeneration:

• Stem Cells and Mineralized State Homeostasis in the Periodontium
• Osteoblast/-clast Homeostasis and Control of Periodontal Bone Levels
• Periodontal Host Response and Homeostasis of Periodontal Progenitors
• Epigenetic Regulation of Periodontal Regeneration and Homeostasis
• Materials Design for Periodontal Regeneration

Manuscripts should be approximately 3,000 words in length with a 350-word maximum for abstracts. All additional information for submission can be found in our Instructions for Authors.

Stem Cells and Development is globally recognized as the trusted source for critical, even controversial coverage of emerging hypotheses and novel findings. With a focus on stem cells of all tissue types and their potential therapeutic applications, the Journal provides clinical, basic, and translational scientists with cutting-edge research and findings.

Advantages of publishing in Stem Cells and Development include:

• Fast and user-friendly electronic submission
• Rapid, high-quality peer review
• Maximum exposure: accessible in 170 countries worldwide
• Open Access options available
• Competitive Author Benefits program