Effect of epithelial cells derived from periodontal ligament on osteoblast-like cells in a Transwell membrane coculture system.

Background And Objective: The epithelial rests of Malassez (ERM) are developmental residues of Hertwig's epithelial root sheath, and they are present throughout life in the periodontal ligament. Previous studies have shown that ERM induce cementogenesis or inhibit cement-osteogenesis. This study investigated how ERM cells are involved in osteoblast mineralization in an in vitro coculture system.