Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 4, 2026

Development of an In Vitro Assay to Evaluate Contractile Function of Mesenchymal Cells that Underwent Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: June 10, 2016
Myofibroblasts and transforming growth factor-beta1 in reactive gingival overgrowths
Apostolos Epivatianos1, Dimitrios Andreadis1, Savas Iordanidis1
1Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Pathology, Dental School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki Greece.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the oral health-related quality of life of patients treated with implant-supported mandibular overdentures and to compare the attachment systems used.
Material And Methods:
The presence of myofibroblasts as well as transforming growth factor-beta1 was examined in twenty cases of fibrous epulis and 22 ossifying fibrous epulis, using immunohistochemistry.
Results:
Myofibroblasts positive for alpha smooth muscle actin and vimentin but negative to desmin were found in 20% and 45% in fibrous epulis and ossifying fibrous epulis, respectively. Myofibroblasts were distributed in areas with and without inflammatory infiltration and their presence in inflammatory areas was not related with the degree of inflammatory infiltration. A percentage of 21 - 60% of fibroblasts and chronic inflammatory cells expressed transforming growth factor-beta1 in all cases.
Conclusions:
These data suggest that transforming growth factor-beta1 and myofibroblasts contribute to the formation of collagenous connective tissue in fibrous epulis and ossifying fibrous epulis. Myofibroblasts are mainly presented in ossifying fibrous epulis than in fibrous epulis. It seems to be no relationship between the presence of myofibroblasts and the degree of inflammatory infiltration of the lesions.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Fibroblasts
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Small GTPases - Ras and Rho
Three regulatory proteins control their activity:
Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR...

