Typically, human teeth only grow once in childhood. Once those are lost, no new teeth emerge. The reason lies in a gene called USAG-1 (Uterine Sensitisation-Associated Gene-1). This research team found a way to neutralise this gene, thereby enabling tooth regrowth.
Malappuram: The idiom ‘toothless lion’ is on the verge of becoming irrelevant. Losing teeth may no longer be a major concern. A drug that can regrow lost teeth is now preparing to enter human trials. It is expected to hit the market by 2030. The discovery comes from a team of researchers from Kyoto and Fukui Universities in Japan, along with Kitano Hospital. The drug was developed in 2021 under the leadership of Dr Katsu Takahashi, Head of the Dental and Oral Surgery Department at the Medical Research Institute of Kitano Hospital.
The research findings were published in the journal Science Advances. The drug was initially tested successfully on mice and ferrets. Now, it’s being prepared for human clinical trials.
Typically, human teeth only grow once in childhood. Once those are lost, no new teeth emerge. The reason lies in a gene called USAG-1 (Uterine Sensitisation-Associated Gene-1). This research team found a way to neutralise this gene, thereby enabling tooth regrowth. For this purpose, they developed a monoclonal antibody specifically targeted to suppress the function of USAG-1.
In animals like mice and ferrets, this gene also suppresses tooth development. When the monoclonal antibody was injected, new teeth began to grow in these animals. Now, the same method is being trialled on humans.
The trial will involve 30 male participants aged between 30 and 64. If the trials are successful, people who have lost their teeth—whether due to ageing, disease or accidents—may be able to regrow their own natural teeth. This breakthrough could bring hope to millions suffering from edentulism (the medical term for complete tooth loss) around the world.
Need to wait and watch
However, the human trials will take time to complete. Even if the results are favourable, it will still take a while before the treatment becomes affordable and accessible to the general public. Nevertheless, if successful, this discovery could revolutionise the field of dental medicine, says Dr Saju N S, consultant maxillofacial surgeon at Manjeri General Hospital.
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