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

SURI CRUISE DITCHES MOM’S NYC MANSION FOR DORM LIFE – SEE THE STUNNING TRANSFORMATION IN PICS

Katie Holmes’ daughter, Suri Cruise, has recently taken a big step toward independence. After finishing high school, Suri moved out of her mother’s luxurious New York City apartment and into a college dorm room, where she is now sharing space with a roommate.

In 2014, Suri Cruise lived with her mother, Katie Holmes, in a rental apartment at the Chelsea Mercantile. By 2024, Suri had moved out to start college, leaving Katie as an empty nester. Suri is now settling into a college dorm, marking a new chapter in her life.

Katie and her daughter nearly moved to a different home in the Apthorp neighborhood of New York City. In 2014, Katie made a bid on a prewar apartment there. The Upper West Side home had four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

Katie Holmes’ financial advisors suggested that renting their high-rise luxury apartment was a better choice. Because of this advice, Katie and Suri decided to stay in their current apartment.

However, their living situation changed after Suri graduated from LaGuardia High School. Before she got her diploma, Suri enjoyed some time with her classmates on the streets of New York City on June 20, 2024, right before their high school prom.

Suri Cruise looked stunning in a patterned bodice-style gown for her prom. She accessorized with a black clutch bag, a pink rose corsage, and heels. Her prom date wore a dark blue suit, and they posed for pictures together.

Everyone was dressed up for the special event.

Later, footage showed Suri, who looks a lot like her mom Katie Holmes, celebrating with her classmates while wearing red graduation robes on June 21, 2024.

A friend posed for photos with Suri, while another friend stood nearby on the pavement as cars passed by.

Suri looked happy as she posed for pictures taken by her mom in New York City.

Suri Cruise didn’t waste any time starting college at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. On August 18, 2024, she was seen moving into her dorm with help from her mother, Katie Holmes. They looked happy as they carried luggage, marking an important milestone in Suri’s life.

Reports say that while Suri was settling into her dorm, her father was allegedly enjoying life in London. The mother-daughter duo was spotted carrying luggage to Suri’s new home on campus.

The university campus is impressive, with large open spaces, a tennis court, and areas for studying, research, and relaxation. It also has the Highmark Center for Health, Wellness, and Athletics, a modern wellness center.

Several restaurants on the Carnegie Mellon University campus offer a variety of foods. One of these is the Au Bon Pain Café bakery at Cohon Center. According to the university’s website, all the recipes are “uniquely crafted,” providing students with a range of delicious options.

Katie’s daughter, Suri, will have access to a variety of food and drink options on campus, including smoothies, sodas, cappuccinos, hot or iced coffee and teas, espresso drinks, pasta, soup, and croissants. She can also choose from a customized made-to-order breakfast or lunch sandwich or salad, or grab a pre-made salad, sandwich, wrap, yogurt parfait, fresh fruit, or snack.