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
Hollywood Legend Clint Eastwood’s Secret Life Finally Revealed
Clint Eastwood, a legendary movie star and director known for his strong and masculine image, has thrilled audiences for decades. But at 89, he shared a personal story he had kept secret for nearly sixty years. This secret links him to one of his most famous movies and gives insight into his fascinating life.
Early Life and Challenges
Born in 1930 during the Great Depression, Clint Eastwood grew up facing many hardships. His family moved often, and his father worked as a steelworker. Despite these struggles, Eastwood stood out for his tall height of 6 feet 4 inches and earned the nickname “Samson” from an early age.
A Scary Experience
Before he became famous, Clint Eastwood worked as a lifeguard in Seattle after finishing high school. But an incredible and little-known event happened when he was only 21. Eastwood was on a World War II Navy plane that crashed into the Pacific Ocean. Stranded in the water, he swam for miles toward the shore, unsure if he would make it. Looking back on that day, he later said, “I remember thinking, ‘Well, 21 is not as long as a person wants to live.’”
Inspiration from Real Life
This scary event had a lasting effect on Eastwood’s career. When he became a director, he drew from his own experience to create the 2016 film *Sully: Miracle on the Hudson*, which starred Tom Hanks. The movie tells the true story of the emergency landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009, where all 155 people survived.
The Story of Captain Sully
While the amazing landing impressed everyone, Eastwood was also deeply moved by what happened afterward and by Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger’s character. Sully’s ability to stay calm, make quick decisions, and solve problems without panicking left a big impression on Eastwood. The contrast between Sully’s brave actions and the investigators’ later questioning of his decisions made it a powerful story for film.
A Living Legend
Clint Eastwood’s long and impressive career has made him a lasting icon in the film world. Even at 89, he keeps working and surprising audiences with his skill and passion, showing that true talent has no age limits.
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