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
Travis Kelce’s ex, Kayla Nicole, responds to online attacks from Taylor Swift fans, saying, “You’ll never make me hate myself.”
She’s had enough.
Travis Kelce’s ex, Kayla Nicole, fired back at Taylor Swift fans who have been criticizing her looks online because of the singer’s relationship with the NFL star. A fan page posted unedited pictures of Kayla without makeup, getting her hair done. The person who shared the photos commented sarcastically, saying “Very pretty,” and added a puking emoji.
Travis Kelce’s ex, Kayla Nicole, responded to Taylor Swift fans who have been criticizing her looks online.
A fan page shared unfiltered photos of Kayla Nicole getting her hair done without makeup. She responded by retweeting the post and writing, “YOU WILL NEVER MAKE ME HATE ME. Hang it upppppppp bookie.”
Other fans quickly supported her on X, with one saying, “You’re beautiful…this is so weird??!” and another adding, “I’m confused.. because you look gorgeous here.. true flops all around.”
“YOU WILL NEVER MAKE ME HATE ME. Hang it upppppppp bookie,” she tweeted the hater.
Many fans defended Kayla Nicole, telling her she’s “gorgeous” with or without makeup. One person tweeted, “Not them making a fan page just to hate on you. It’s getting weird.” Another fan said, “Girl, you are absolutely gorgeous. Forget the haters. ”
Kayla has been facing online hate ever since Travis Kelce started dating Taylor Swift last September.
She has been dealing with online hate since her ex Kelce went public with Swift last September.
In October 2023, Kayla Nicole, founder of Tribe Therepe, wrote an open letter to “Black women specifically,” responding to the criticism and embarrassment she’s faced since her ex, Travis Kelce, started dating Taylor Swift.
In her letter, Kayla urged her followers not to get involved in the drama, saying, “Don’t engage in this difficult and often unfair situation.” She added, “Protect your heart, even when others judge you or push your limits. You don’t have to respond because there’s power in staying silent.”
In April, she addressed the Swifties ahead of the release of the “Cruel Summer” singer’s 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department.”
Kayla Nicole tweeted, “Just know everyone has a breaking point & would love for ‘yall’ (because you know who you are) to leave me alone.”
In January, she seemed to call out Taylor Swift’s fans in a TikTok video, saying, “Fake page, s–t talking, cult following, keyboard warriors – maybe take the year off babe?”
A few months later, before Swift’s new album “The Tortured Poets Department” came out, Kayla addressed the Swifties again, tweeting on April 18, “I’m unproblematic. Mind my business. Never respond to the constant hate.”
Nicole dated the tight end on-and-off from 2017 to 2022.
Kayla Nicole dated Travis Kelce on and off from 2017 to 2022. Over a year after their final breakup in May 2022, Kelce went public with his relationship with Taylor Swift.
Kayla, frustrated by the situation, said, “I’m strong and don’t need recognition for it, but everyone has a breaking point. I’d love for ‘yall’ (you know who you are) to leave me alone.”
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