Tooth regeneration in mice

Rare genetic disorders can cause the failure of a few teeth to develop (hypodontia), many (oligodontia) or all (anodontia).  In this piece, Japanese researchers have found that an antibody to a particular gene can generate normal tooth development.  The target is uterine sensitization associated gene-1 (USAG-1).  Though the research was with mice, the precedent of using a monoclonal antibody to cause tooth regeneration is a breakthrough because tissue engineering is not a suitable alternative.  MORE

Image Credit:  Kyoto University and Fukui University