Is Tooth Regeneration Possible in Humans?
In 2021, a Japanese research group led by Dr. Katsu Takahashi published a scientific paper demonstrating the possibility of tooth regeneration. They discovered the USAG-1 protein, which limits tooth growth. By blocking the action of USAG-1 with a neutralizing antibody, researchers were able to stimulate the growth of "third generation" teeth in animal experiments.
It is widely believed that humans can only grow two sets of teeth, but evidence suggests the presence of third set tooth buds. Animals such as sharks and some reptile species can continuously regenerate teeth.
Katsu Takahashi himself, since his graduate student days, has dedicated himself to finding ways to restore teeth. Having a dental degree and subsequent research in molecular biology, Takahashi investigated genetic mutations in mice that affect tooth growth. In 2018, his team conducted experiments on mice with congenitally few teeth, and as a result of introducing neutralizing antibodies, new teeth appeared in them.
The research team is now preparing for small-scale clinical trials of a tooth restoration drug in humans, which are scheduled to begin in July 2024. If successful, they plan for the medicine to be available for general use by 2030.
Initially, the drug was developed to treat anodontia - a congenital condition leading to underdevelopment of a complete set of teeth, affecting approximately 1% of the population. But researchers believe the scope of application can be significantly expanded, thus replacing dental prosthetics and implants.