CC BY 4.0 · Eur J Dent 2024; 18(02): 448-457
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1775726
Review Article

Cell Junctions in Periodontal Health and Disease: An Insight

Lakshmi Puzhankara
1   Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
,
Anjale Rajagopal
1   Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
,
Madhurya N. Kedlaya
1   Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
,
Shaswata Karmakar
1   Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
,
Namratha Nayak
1   Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
,
1   Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
› Author Affiliations
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Abstract

Cells are the building blocks of all living organisms. The presence of cell junctions such as tight junctions, gap junctions, and anchoring junctions between cells play a role in cell-to-cell communication in periodontal health and disease. A literature search was done in Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science to gather information about the effect of cell junctions on periodontal health and disease. The presence of tight junction in the oral cavity helps in cell-to-cell adhesiveness and assists in the barrier function. The gap junctions help in controlling growth and development and in the cell signaling process. The presence of desmosomes and hemidesmosomes as anchoring junctions aid in mechanical strength and tissue integrity. Periodontitis is a biofilm-induced disease leading to the destruction of the supporting structures of the tooth. The structures of the periodontium possess multiple cell junctions that play a significant role in periodontal health and disease as well as periodontal tissue healing. This review article provides an insight into the role of cell junctions in periodontal disease and health, and offers concepts for development of therapeutic strategies through manipulation of cell junctions.

Authors' Contribution

L.P. conceived the design and structure of the study, contributed to the main text, and designed the original figures in the manuscript. A.R. contributed to the main text and verified and revised the manuscript. M.N.K. contributed to the main text and participated in the final approval of the text. S.K. contributed to the main text and participated in the final approval of the text. N.N. contributed to the main text and participated in the final approval of the text. S.S. contributed to the main text and participated in the final approval of the text.




Publication History

Article published online:
04 December 2023

© 2023. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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