Preclinical Research Uncovers Secret Behind Rapid Oral Wound Healing
A new preclinical study uncovers the cellular mechanisms that enable the mouth to heal wounds rapidly and without scarring, paving the way for regenerative skin treatments.
A groundbreaking preclinical study has shed light on the mechanisms behind the swift and scarless healing of mouth wounds. Conducted through a collaboration between Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Stanford Medicine, and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), the research reveals that certain cellular signaling pathways play a crucial role in the mouth's superior regenerative ability compared to skin. When the researchers analyzed tissue samples from the oral mucosa and facial skin of laboratory mice, they identified a key interaction involving the protein GAS6 and the enzyme AXL. This interaction inhibits a pathway called FAK, which is associated with scarring. Manipulating this pathway showed promising results—blocking AXL in mice worsened wound healing in the mouth, making it resemble skin wounds, while stimulating AXL in skin wounds enhanced regeneration similar to that of the oral mucosa.
The study suggests that targeting the GAS6-AXL signaling pathway could be a promising approach to develop therapies aimed at reducing scarring and promoting faster, scarless healing of skin wounds. "Our research helps fill a critical knowledge gap regarding why the mouth heals so efficiently," said Dr. Ophir Klein of Cedars-Sinai. The next phase involves further studies to explore how these findings translate into human healing and the development of new treatments for skin wounds.
This research was published in Science Translational Medicine and underscores the potential for innovative therapies that mimic the mouth’s natural regenerative processes. If these results are confirmed in humans, they could revolutionize wound care and scar prevention strategies.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-preclinical-mystery-rapid-mouth.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Unveiling Hepatic Ferroptosis: Gene Signatures and Their Role in Liver Disease Pathogenesis
A groundbreaking study uncovers a gene signature linked to ferroptosis in the liver, revealing potential therapeutic targets for liver injury and disease management.
The Critical Role of Proper Protein Folding in Seizure-Related Disorders
Proper protein folding is vital in preventing seizure disorders by ensuring proteins reach their functional destination. Recent studies highlight how mutations impair folding and how small molecules can restore function, offering new therapeutic possibilities.
Innovative Self-powered Patch Tracks Biomarkers Non-invasively
A novel self-powered microneedle patch can non-invasively monitor health biomarkers by collecting dermal interstitial fluid, eliminating the need for blood draws and external power sources.
Could Caffeine Play a Role in Preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?
Research suggests caffeine might help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by counteracting low oxygen episodes in infants. This innovative hypothesis could open new pathways for prevention strategies in infant health.