Craniofacial Tissue Bioengineering and Regeneration by Endogenous Stem Cells

Directed movement of stem cells is crucial not only for organogenesis during development, but also for tissue regeneration in adult life. This chapter presents examples of stem cell migration and recruitment and the application of cell homing in orofacial regeneration. Cell homing refers to the recruitment of endogenous cells, including stem and progenitor cells, into a wound. Homing can be local and/or systemic. Whereas cell homing via circulation has contributed a great deal to the knowledge of pathogenesis of diverse diseases, including infections and tumor metastasis, we understand little of how to immobilize and direct cell homing in tissue regeneration. Stem and progenitor cells are highlighted to demonstrate their migration, lineage commitment, and potential roles in wound healing.