Scientists Attempt To Grow Human Teeth

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NEW YORK – Biological, self-regenerated teeth may one day replace dentures and dental implants as scientists investigate and cultivate ways to grow teeth, according to a leading dental researcher.

Mary MacDougall, Ph.D., associate dean, Dental School, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, says she, along with colleagues, has been studying the dynamics of tooth formation and conducting laboratory research to eventually grow human teeth.

"In particular," she explained, "we are studying the various highly specialized dental cell types of the tooth, producing the unique hard mineralized tissues of the tooth, such as dentin, enamel and cementum."

"In order to investigate the formation of these dental tissues, we genetically engineered mouse and human cell lines to reproduce and form dentin, enamel or cementum in culture," disclosed Dr. MacDougall, who also is a professor in the university’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry, to attendees at the American Dental Association’s National Media Conference, held here.

"We also are using these cell lines to study the mechanisms that dictate and control tooth-specific genes," she said. "Moreover, whole-tooth tissue cultures have been established to grow mice ‘teeth in a dish.’ "

In addition, these studies should determine why certain genes express themselves in teeth only during human development, according to Dr. MacDougall. Researchers also are studying the regulation of this process at the DNA level.

"Ultimately, we expect to regenerate teeth in culture as replacements for the next-generation dental implant or even cause additional teeth to grow at the site," she predicted.

These studies are being correlated with other genetic studies on human diseases, affecting tooth number, shape and structure, she said.

To date, two clusters of genes have been identified that cause various forms of tooth diseases, including amelogenesis imperfecta (faulty development of enamel, the outer layer of a tooth), and dentinogenesis imperfecta and dentin dysplasia (improper formation of dentin, the inner core of a tooth).

Currently, mutational studies are under way to determine the precise gene and changes involved for each of these diseases, she explained.

"Using targeted gene therapy, these studies are expected to lead to clinical treatments to correct these diseases," Dr. MacDougall predicted.

For more information about the American Dental Association's (ADA) position on this and other oral health issues, visit the ADA Web site at www.ada.org.

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