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
Gisele Bündchen’s New Love Revealed – You Won’t Believe Who!
Gisele Bündchen and Tom Brady, a famous couple loved by many, recently decided to go their separate ways, which left their fans feeling sad. However, both Gisele and Tom seem ready to move on. So, who is the man who has captured Gisele’s heart now? Let’s find out!
After being married for 13 years and raising two children together, NFL star Tom Brady and supermodel Gisele Bündchen decided to split up in 2022. They started dating in January 2007 and got married on February 26, 2009. They have two children together – 14-year-old Benjamin and 11-year-old Vivian. Tom Brady also has a 16-year-old son named Jack from a previous relationship.
There are rumors that Gisele is now dating Joaquim Valente, a jiu-jitsu instructor who was originally just a friend. But their relationship quickly grew into something more. Sources say Gisele and Joaquim have been romantically involved.
Joaquim Valente has been a source of support for Gisele during this new phase of her life after her divorce. What makes their relationship special is that they were close friends before becoming romantically involved. “He has been there for her as she moves forward in this new phase of life after her divorce, and it has been a positive change for her,” a source revealed.
Gisele and Valente share many interests, especially their passion for wellness. Their shared love for staying active, traveling, and taking care of their health has strengthened their bond. “They connect deeply and have a lot of fun together,” the source added.
While Gisele hasn’t directly confirmed the romantic rumors, she has talked about how important Valente is in her life. In an interview with People magazine in March 2023, Gisele expressed gratitude for Valente, highlighting his role as a martial arts instructor for her and her children.
In May of the same year, Gisele and Valente were seen enjoying time together on a beach in Miami. They looked genuinely happy and enjoyed each other’s company.
If you found this story interesting, make sure to check out another article where Gisele explains the real reason behind her divorce from Tom Brady.
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