Scientists of the University of Oregon, USA, headed by Dr. Chrysa Kiousse and Mark Leedt have identified the Ctip2 gene that controls the growth of enamel (the hard outer layer of the tooth) which can not be physically recovered when it is destroyed by caries. Enamel is the hardest body tissue and begins to form when the human is still an embryo. When our teeth are fully formed, it emerges through the gums, while the cells that form the enamel die, making it impossible to reproduce.
The control of the Ctip2 gene, in combination with the use of stem cells, can make the artificial creation of functional teeth a reality.
At the same time, this knowledge can be useful for strengthening the existing enamel and for repairing it, putting an end to caries and the need for wheel seals.
This is a completely different approach to dental treatment and hygiene.
But what is the way enamel regenerates with modified stem cells?
Stem cells are detached from the base of the tooth.
The stem cell is genetically engineered by the Ctip2 gene to grow into an enamel-producing cell.
It is injected into the cleaned hole of the tooth.
The modified stem cells will begin to produce enamel on their own to fill the hole.
