Attachment proteins and polypeptide growth factors in periodontal regeneration- A review.

Significant advances have been made recently to isolate factors responsible for controlling the migration, attachment and proliferation of cells. The fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, insulin like growth factor, transforming growth factor, epidermal growth factor and attachment protein fibronectin, appear to play an important role in wound healing and periodontal regeneration. Numerous other growth factors and attachment proteins are currently being isolated and characterized, and the list is far from complete. It is possible that periodontal therapy will include root surface demineralization to expose the collagenous root matrix, topical application of fibronectin to enhance cell attachment and the addition of a combination of polypeptide growth factors in a slow-release biodegradable device to promote the migration, proliferation and maturation of specific progenitor cell populations capable of regenerating the periodontium.