reepithelialize

Reepithelialize is a verb describing the regeneration of epithelial tissue to restore a surface after injury. The term is used across medicine, including dermatology, ophthalmology, and dentistry, to describe the restoration of the protective epithelial barrier on skin, mucous membranes, or other epithelial surfaces.

In wound healing, reepithelialization occurs mainly during the proliferative phase. Basal keratinocytes at the wound margin proliferate and migrate as a sheet across the wound bed, guided by a provisional matrix produced by platelets and fibroblasts. Keratinocytes from hair follicles and sweat glands may contribute to coverage when edge tissue is limited. The process involves reconstituting the basement membrane and forming a stratified epithelium that restores barrier function and surface integrity. Signaling pathways driven by growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta, along with cell–matrix interactions and integrin signaling, coordinate cell migration and proliferation.

Clinical significance varies with tissue type and condition. Adequate reepithelialization is essential for rapid wound closure and reduced infection risk. Factors such as aging, diabetes, vascular insufficiency, infection, and large or deep wounds can impair reepithelialization, contributing to chronic wounds or delayed healing. In the eye, corneal reepithelialization is crucial for maintaining optical clarity and ocular surface health, with failures potentially leading to recurrent erosions or scarring.

See also: wound healing, epithelial regeneration, corneal healing.