Repair and regeneration of oral and craniofacial tissues

This special issue contains novel findings and comprehensive reviews on basic and applied research on oral and craniofacial tissues including teeth, cartilage, bone, muscle, skin, and nerves. World-class investigators report on ways to discover new genes and new roles of genes, on regulation of tissue development, on factors that enhance innate repair and regeneration, and on cell-based and cell-free approaches to regeneration of tissues. Evidence shows the potential for innovative therapies based upon factors, cells, and/or scaffolds. The collection of papers represents a path of discovery for integrating new basic information about regulatory genes and factors with technical approaches for enhancing repair and regeneration. Summarizing the most recent progress in the field, this publication will be appreciated by anyone interested in discovering mechanisms of innate repair and regeneration and applying new insights to develop innovative therapies for soft and hard tissue deformities and deficiencies. This includes students, basic and clinical investigators, as well as representatives from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.