Left: Mouse tooth with GTIP2 gene in tact
Right: Mouse tooth with GTIP2 gene destroyed.
The pink coating is ameloblast which produced enamel
Enamel is an extremely hard substance that coats the outside of our teeth. It provides a shield that protects the actual tooth from decay. Enamel does not restore itself naturally, once it wears away then the tooth is vulnerable. However, scientist researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a gene which they believe regulates the production of tooth enamel in organisms. The gene in question is named GTIP2, which produces a protein called ameloblast, it is also vital to survival of the organism. Scientists conducted an experiment where lab rats had their DNA altered and the GTIP2 gene was removed as well as the proteins it produced. They noted that the rats died on birth, however when studying their teeth found that they contained almost no enamel compared to control rats. Thus they concluded that the gene responsible for enamel production is GTIP2.
Some groups of scientists have already been successful in artificially growing the inner sections of a tooth, but they had never found how to produce enamel in this way. Now it seems that the first artificial production of a real tooth is possible. This has huge implications on the future of dental health. However, a lot of further research still needs to be carried out in order to one day be useful in restoring our own enamel and perhaps replacing lost teeth.
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Sebastian Dimech
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090223221345.htm
