Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Isolation and Culture of Primary Oral Keratinocytes from the Adult Mouse Palate
Published on: September 24, 2021
Connective tissue profiling in keratinized and non-keratinized oral mucosa reveals distinct extracellular and
Ruoxuan Huang1, Leyao Xu1, Chunhsin Hsu1
1Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology and Guangdong Research Center for Dental and Cranial Rehabilitation and Material Engineering, Guangzhou, China.
Introduction:
Keratinized mucosa is a critical determinant of long-term periodontal and peri-implant tissue stability. Emerging evidence suggests that the underlying connective tissue plays a pivotal role in defining oral mucosal phenotypes. However, the mechanisms by which it shapes the mucosal microenvironment and regulates epithelial keratinization remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to map the molecular blueprints of in situ connective tissue from human keratinized (gingiva, GIN) and non-keratinized (alveolar mucosa, ALV) oral mucosa.
Methods:
Connective tissue samples were harvested and analyzed by transcriptomic sequencing, qPCR, IHC, WB and IF.
Results:
Differential analysis revealed distinct extracellular matrix (ECM) and immune cell composition in their respective microenvironment. GIN was characterized by higher expression level of collagen-related genes, such as COL1 and COL3. Its immune microenvironment was featured by lower proportion of M1 macrophages and notably downregulated complement (C1, C3, C6 and C7) and coagulation cascade. Further analysis of intracellular regulators highlighted reprogrammed metabolism, including retinol metabolism. Downregulated retinoic acid synthesis genes and upregulated catabolic genes indicated depleted retinoic acid in GIN.
Discussion:
In conclusion, GIN and ALV exhibited remarkably different extracellular and intracellular characteristics, in particular ECM, immune microenvironment and metabolism, which in turn provides biomechanical environment for epithelial keratinization. This comprehensive study sheds light on mechanisms regulating mucosal keratinization by connective tissues and lays foundation for therapeutic development in regenerative therapies.
Related Concept Videos
Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins
Extracellular Matrix
Introduction to Connective Tissues
The Extracellular Matrix
The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
Classification of Connective Tissues
Connective Tissue Proper
Connective tissue proper is the most abundant class of connective tissues. As its name implies, it predominantly connects different tissues in the body. Depending on the cell types, ground substance, viscosity, and fiber types in the ECM, connective tissue proper is further categorized into loose and dense.
