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World J Stem Cells. Feb 26, 2026; 18(2): 114032
Published online Feb 26, 2026. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v18.i2.114032
Published online Feb 26, 2026. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v18.i2.114032
Epiregulin enhances periodontal tissue regeneration by promoting bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell functions under inflammatory niches
Ying-Chu Zhao, Yi-Lin Wang, Jing-Yi Feng, Beijing Stomatological Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
Guo-Yue Li, Department of Emergent Dental Care and General Dentistry, Beijing Stomato
Si Chen, Department of Stomatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Beijing 100069, China
Yu Cao, Department of Wangfujing General School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, Beijing 100010, China
Author contributions: Cao Y contributed to the funding acquisition, resources, conceptualization, and supervision; Zhao YC, Li GY, and Cao Y contributed to the methodology; Zhao YC participated in data curation and writing - original draft preparation; Li GY, Chen S, Wang YL, and Feng JY were involved in writing - review and editing; Chen S, Wang YL, and Feng JY contributed to validation; All authors reviewed and approved the final manuscript.
Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 81670948.
Institutional animal care and use committee statement: All procedures were approved the Animal Care Committee of the Capital Medical University of Stomotology and adhered to the institutional and national guidelines for animal welfare (Approval No. KQYY-2024).
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
ARRIVE guidelines statement: The authors have read the ARRIVE guidelines, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the ARRIVE guidelines.
Data sharing statement: No additional data are available.
Corresponding author: Yu Cao, PhD, Professor, Department of Wangfujing General School of Stomatology, Capital Medical University School of Stomatology, No. 11 Pewter Lane, Dong
Received: September 10, 2025
Revised: October 20, 2025
Accepted: January 14, 2026
Published online: February 26, 2026
Processing time: 157 Days and 4.9 Hours
Revised: October 20, 2025
Accepted: January 14, 2026
Published online: February 26, 2026
Processing time: 157 Days and 4.9 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Enhancing the function of the repaired stem cells in the inflammatory niche is crucial for periodontal tissue regeneration. This study revealed that epiregulin (EREG) enhanced the migration, chemotaxis, and osteogenesis of mouse bone marrow stem cells under inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, EREG activates the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 pathway by binding to the epidermal growth factor receptor. Disruption of this pathway affected the function of mouse bone marrow stem cells. Finally, the local injection of EREG promoted periodontal tissue regeneration. These findings suggest a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of periodontitis.