Connective tissue profiling in keratinized and non-keratinized oral mucosa reveals distinct extracellular and intracellular features (opens in new tab)

IntroductionKeratinized mucosa is a critical determinant of long-term periodontal and peri-implant tissue stability. Emerging evidence suggests that the underlying connective tissue plays a pivotal role in defining oral mucosal phenotypes. However, the mechanisms by which it shapes the mucosal microenvironment and regulates epithelial keratinization remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to map the molecular blueprints of in situ connective tissue from human keratinized (gingiva, GI...