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 can avoid using chemical fertilizers by using a miracle fertilizer
A novel farming technique gaining popularity involves a farmer digging a hole for tomato planting, where an egg and a banana are strategically placed. While this may initially seem peculiar, the results are truly remarkable, and the approach is gaining widespread adoption.
The viral video depicting a farmer excavating a hole, inserting a banana and an egg, has taken the internet by storm, accumulating nearly 1.2 million views and spreading globally. In the accompanying images, the farmer is seen employing a unique method to fertilize vegetables. By creating a hole in the soil and depositing an uncooked egg and a banana in its shell, he establishes a foundation for planting tomato seedlings. The entire setup is then covered with soil.
Over time, the decomposing egg and banana release what is referred to as “magic nutrients,” crucial for the optimal growth of vegetable seeds. This natural fertilization method proves highly effective, requiring only two simple items compared to the harmful chemical fertilizers that pose risks to the land, crops, and human health.
In the face of environmental challenges, with the ozone layer and ecology deteriorating, the cultivation of fruits and vegetables becomes increasingly challenging. The conventional response has been heavy reliance on synthetic fertilizers, exacerbating the issues at hand.
The drawback of chemical fertilizers lies in their synthetic nature, which can lead to soil, fruits, and vegetables being “poisoned” with overuse. This poses a significant threat to consumers. Despite their ability to enhance the appearance and expedite the growth of plants, these chemicals have adverse effects on the flavor of food and eventually inflict harm on crops. Weakened plants become more susceptible to pests and diseases, hindering growth and development.
Given the detrimental consequences of chemical fertilizers, it is advisable to explore natural alternatives. The example of using an egg and banana illustrates the potential of natural fertilizers such as ash, manure, and vegetable waste, which not only promote healthy plant growth but are also cost-effective. Embracing such natural solutions can contribute to sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices.
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