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
You Won’t Believe How the ‘Trueblue Twins’ Are Taking Instagram by Storm!
Even though twins aren’t that rare, people are always intrigued by how two people can look so alike.
I’m fascinated by it too…
But Megan and Morgan didn’t just catch people’s attention because they looked alike. When they were four years old, their eyes were so clear they looked like crystal water. Once their photos were shared online, they quickly went viral.
Megan and Morgan Boyd, known as the “Trueblue Twins,” became famous when they were just four years old. Their mom shared photos of them on Instagram, and people around the world fell in love with their unique look.
While most parents enjoy showing off their kids’ pictures, these twins caught global attention. Now, they have over 153,000 followers on Instagram.
It’s easy to see why, isn’t it?
The girls were born on June 6, 2011.
Their mom, Stephanie, came up with the nickname “Trueblue Twins” because of their special blue eyes.
If you want to tell Megan and Morgan apart, just look at their eyes—they’re the key to distinguishing them.
It’s only Megan who has two blue eyes. Morgan’s right eye is not blue, but dark brown and thus bears a completely different look.
This is how the girls look today at nine years old.
Many twins often wear matching outfits, and the Trueblue Twins are no exception.
Their mom, Stephanie, loves shopping for clothes for her daughters and keeping their wardrobes current.
She thinks it’s important for her twin daughters to look and feel great.
Many people are amazed by the girls’ rare blue eye color.
Some folks might think African-American adults with blue eyes are wearing colored contacts, but it’s possible to be born with a rare gene that gives blue eyes.
Stephanie, the Trueblue Twins’ mom, also has blue eyes, and she says she doesn’t wear colored contacts.
Even though her daughters have become social media stars, Stephanie stays grounded.
She understands that Megan and Morgan’s natural beauty could lead to modeling careers, but she doesn’t want to push them into something they might not enjoy. That’s smart!
Just look at these beautiful 11-year-olds today—aren’t they stunning?
Everything indicates that these lovely sisters will grow up to be beautiful women. Feel free to share this story if you believe the same.
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