A simple cell motility assay demonstrates differential motility of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts, gingival fibroblasts, and pre-osteoblasts.

During periodontal regeneration, multiple cell types can invade the wound site, thereby leading to repair. Cell motility requires interactions mediated by integrin receptors for the extracellular matrix (ECM), which might be useful in guiding specific cell populations into the periodontal defect. Our data demonstrate that fibroblasts exhibit differential motility when grown on ECM proteins.