The drug for complete dental recovery

Scientists from Kyoto University and Fukui University have managed to stimulate tooth growth in mice suffering from congenital dental agenesis. Before the study, the scientists studied the reasons for the appearance of an excess of teeth. This may solve the problem of tooth regeneration, namely a process that depends on the action of several molecules. The key molecule has already been identified - this is the bone morphogenesis protein (BMP) and Wnt signaling pathway (one of the mechanisms of regulation of stem cell functions).

BMP and Wnt also control the growth of many organs and tissues in embryogenesis. Scientists always try to avoid using drugs that directly affect BMP and Wnt activity, because side effects can affect the entire body. Japanese scientists believe that targeting more factors associated with these proteins may be safe. They began to study USAG-1 gene, which interacts with both BMP and Wnt. By suppressing the USAG-1 expression, this promotes tooth growth. Japanese scientists want to see whether it would be enough for full regeneration. Several monoclonal antibodies against USAG-1 have been tested and one drug has shown promising results. Thanks to this study, the scientists have managed to regenerate teeth in mice. Subsequent experiments have shown the same benefits in ferrets.

Source: MEDICAL XPRESS