Scientists have discovered a potential drug that could help regrow human teeth, offering hope for people with missing or those born without teeth.
A researcher at Kyoto University identified a gene-protein interaction in mice that caused fewer teeth to grow. Using an antibody medicine to block the protein’s function, teeth could grow normally.
Anodontia, a condition where people lack teeth, affects about 1% of the population. Around 10% of those with anodontia have oligodontia, which means they are missing six or more teeth.
Focusing on mice, the researcher discovered a gene called USAG-1 produced a protein that hindered tooth development. The mice’s teeth grew normally by targeting this protein with an antibody. The next step is to test the antibodies on other animals, like pigs and dogs, before making the drug available. If successful, this breakthrough could revolutionize dentistry by enabling the regrowth of teeth in humans, something our species cannot naturally do.