Scientists in Japan have achieved a breakthrough by regenerating teeth in mice using a monoclonal antibody. This innovation could soon enable tooth regeneration in humans.
Between ages 6 and 12, humans typically develop 32 permanent teeth. However, conditions like congenital dental agenesis can lead to missing teeth, including wisdom teeth or others. In such cases, patients often rely on dental prostheses or implants, which can be expensive and not always covered by insurance.
A team of researchers from leading Japanese universities detailed their findings in a February 12, 2021, publication in Science Advances. Their goal: to regenerate missing teeth. This experimental treatment has so far been tested only in mice, targeting antibodies that disrupt signaling pathways inhibiting tooth growth.
The study focuses on the USAG-1 gene, which encodes a protein that halts tooth development and prevents supernumerary teeth. When the gene is deficient or the protein inactive, uncontrolled tooth growth occurs.
The researchers developed monoclonal antibodies targeting the USAG-1 protein, blocking its interactions with BMP and Wnt signaling pathways. They tested whether injecting these antibodies could stimulate tooth growth in mice with genetic congenital dental agenesis.
Antibodies were administered to pregnant mice to examine their offspring's dentition. Results showed regrowth of specific teeth, including a mandibular molar and maxillary/mandibular incisors. The antibodies bind to the USAG-1 region that interacts with LRP5/6 co-receptors, key players in BMP signaling for tooth development control.
This validates the potential to regenerate multiple teeth in mice—and potentially humans. The researchers recommend limiting anti-USAG-1 antibodies to cases of congenital tooth agenesis.
