The tooth fairy is a welcome guest for any child who has lost a tooth. Not only will the fairy leave a small gift under the child’s pillow, but they be assured of a replacement tooth in a few months. Unfortunately, the scenario is quite different for adults grappling with a loss of teeth. Luckily, there may be some hope thanks to a new study performed by scientists at Kyoto University and the University of Fukui.
A dental breakthrough
While the typical adult mouth houses 32 teeth, approximately 1% of the population exhibits variations of them, either possessing more or fewer teeth due to congenital conditions. Researchers have delved into the genetic factors behind cases of excessive teeth, seeking valuable insights into the potential regeneration of teeth in adults. This study is the first to show that monoclonal antibodies can help regrow teeth. It suggests a new way to treat a dental problem that currently requires implants and other artificial solutions.
A bit of science
The research team disclosed that an antibody targeting a specific gene, known as uterine sensitization-associated gene-1 (USAG-1), can induce tooth development in mice affected by tooth agenesis, a congenital condition. The findings were published in the journal, Science Advances.
As per Katsu Takahashi, a senior lecturer at the Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine and one of the principal contributors to the study, the essential molecules crucial for the development of teeth have already been pinpointed. “The morphogenesis of individual teeth depends on the interactions of several molecules including BMP, or bone morphogenetic protein, and Wnt signaling,” says Takahashi.
On April 13, 2021, the University of Kyoto posted its first pic of newly-grown teeth in mice.
BMP and Wnt are involved in more than just tooth development; they affect the growth of organs and tissues early in the body’s development. Because drugs affecting them directly might have broad side effects, scientists are cautious. To find a potentially safer method, researchers focused on the gene USAG-1, thinking that aiming at factors countering BMP and Wnt specifically in tooth development could be more precise.
“We knew that suppressing USAG-1 benefits tooth growth. What we did not know was whether it would be enough,” added Takahashi.
The first results
Scientists looked at how different monoclonal antibodies affect USAG-1. Monoclonal antibodies are often used to treat things like cancer and arthritis and for making vaccines. Tests with this antibody showed that BMP signaling is crucial for deciding the number of teeth in mice. Also, just one treatment was enough to grow a whole tooth. Further tests confirmed these positive results in ferrets too.
“Ferrets are diphyodont animals with similar dental patterns to humans. Our next plan is to test the antibodies on other animals, such as pigs and dogs,” explained Takahashi.
Fully regrown frontal teeth in ferrets
The next steps
Now, scientists are going to test the drug on healthy adults. If that goes well, the team plans to try it on kids aged 2 to 6 with a rare tooth problem called anodontia, a genetic disorder defined as the absence of all teeth. These kids will get one shot of the drug to see if it makes their teeth grow. If everything works out, the medicine might be approved by 2030.
Takahashi sees the new medicine as an additional choice for individuals who are missing some or all of their teeth.
“The idea of growing new teeth is every dentist’s dream,” Takahashi told the Japanese newspaper, The Mainichi in June this year. “I’ve been working on this since I was a graduate student. I was confident I’d be able to make it happen.”
So hopefully, by the year 2030, humans will get a chance to have their third generation of teeth grown and say goodbye to implants. Until then, make sure to keep your teeth strong and healthy — this article will help you with that.
Preview photo credit KyotoU_News / Twitter
Prayers are needed for Kurt Russell. What happened to him is terrible…
Kurt Vogel Russell is an American actor.At the age of twelve, he made his screen debut in a western series.Russell’s portrayal in Mike Nichol’s Silkwood earned him a nomination for a 1983 Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.Massachusetts’ Springfield is where Russell was born.Bing, his father, was an artist as well.His mother is ballerina Louise Julia Russell.Kurt Russell reportedly has a virulent flesh-eating sickness, according to The Globe.The 65-year-old actor from Hateful 8 is said to have had unattractive ulcers under his lower lip, which are a result of Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS), a condition that has been connected to colon cancer.Cancer.According to Net, “people with PJS may have a lifetime risk of cancer of up to 93%.”Dr. Stuart Fischer, who does not treat Kurt, described the ulcers as “precancerous lesions that can become aggressive and dangerous if not treated immediately and properly.”
Immunologist and Maryland resident Dr. Gabe Mirkin concurs that Kurt “needs immediate testing” and thinks PJS could be the cause of the ulcers.He needs to start counseling right away.We must pray for Kurt Russell. The Globe also claims that Kurt recently got into a fight with Goldie Hawn, his 71-year-old longtime partner.In October, Kurt was supposed to be honored into Oklahoma City’s Hall of Great Western Performers.The Hollywood Walk of Fame already bears his name.Kurt, though, is unable to attend because of a “surprise medical issue.”The actor insisted in a statement that he need surgery, which his doctor stated was a necessary treatment that couldn’t be put off.
The Oklahoman reports that he is scheduled to undergo hip replacement surgery.”My doctors say it needs to happen in September, but I thought it could wait.”As much as I would have hoped to be there this year, I am pleased that the museum has decided to postpone our honor until 2022 so I can accept this wonderful prize in person, Russell stated in the statement.We applaud Kurt Russell on being inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers!We hope that his treatment later this month goes well and he recovers quickly.
Bottom line: Despite having his name already on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Kurt ought to be admitted into Oklahoma City’s Hall of Great Western Performers.Kurt, though, is unable to attend because of a “surprise medical issue.”The actor, 64, was spotted in New Orleans sporting cuts and bruises on his face and arms.Kurt Russell has a fatal flesh-eating sickness, according to The Globe.
Leave a Reply