Role of the Epithelial Cell Rests of Malassez in Periodontal Homeostasis and Regeneration - A Review

Predictable and complete periodontal regeneration following periodontitis has been the ultimate goal of periodontal treatment. It has been recognized that Hertwig’s epithelial root sheath (HERS) cells play a crucial role in cementogenesis and root formation. As the descendants of HERS and unique odontogenic epithelium in the adult periodontium, epithelial cell rests of Malassez (ERM) have long been considered as quiescent epithelial remnants devoid of structure and function. Here we will present an overview of our present understanding and putative functions of the ERM in the regeneration of periodontal tissues. Keywords: Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, epithelial cell rests Malassez, periodontium development, periodontal regeneration, cementogenesis, stem cells.