The genetic atlas shows that gum disease may be caused by immunosuppression of skin cells in the mouth

Researchers have created for the first time a comprehensive single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) atlas of the human periodontium, the specialized tissues in the mouth that connect the teeth to the underlying bone. This atlas will help identify the unique environments that influence the development of gum disease (periodontitis), leading to better and more accurate treatments.

Millions of people worldwide suffer from gingivitis (periodontitis). In addition to pain and tooth loss, this disease is also associated with more than 60 systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.

To date, little is known about the precise combinations of microorganisms and cell types in the human mouth that influence the body’s immune response and that contribute to the development of periodontitis.

An international research team, led by Dr. Kevin Byrd at the American Dental Association and including Inês Sequeira from the Institute of Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, analyzed samples taken from previously published single-cell RNA sequencing projects to create a comprehensive periodontitis atlas of human tissues.

This job, published in Nature communicationsbased on the efforts of Dr. Sequeira and Dr. Byrd for creating a comprehensive atlas of stomatal cells, as its leader and co-founder Human Cell Atlas Oral and Craniofacial Bionetwork.

The study describes 17 total and functionally annotating five new subpopulations of gingival keratinocytes within the human gingival epithelium at the single-cell level. In addition, cross-species analysis also supports the heterogeneity of mouse gingival keratinocytes. The heterogeneity of these keratinocyte subpopulations was mapped in spatial context using multiplexed spike imaging.

The researchers found that sulfated keratinocytes (SKs) and connective keratinocytes (JKs) exhibited altered differentiation states and showed greater activation of proteins necessary for an immune response (cytokines) in periodontitis.

The research found that the way these cells maintain the barrier between the germ-rich environment inside the mouth and the surface of the teeth has a profound impact on how the body reacts to microbial attack. Further research is needed to support precision periodontal interventions in conditions of chronic periodontal inflammation.

Dr. Sequeira said, “This research highlights the complex cell-microbe interactions and immune responses within the periodontal site, paving the way for precision periodontal interventions to combat chronic inflammation.”