Study Moves Researchers a Step Closer to Tooth Regeneration Technologies

Research led by investigators at the University of Southern California (USC) may provide clues about the effect of epigenetic regulation on root patterning and development. Published in Elife, the study, “Antagonistic Interaction Between Ezh2 and Arid1a Coordinates Root Patterning and Development via Cdkn2a in Mouse Molars,” could lead to an effective method for tooth regeneration.

The findings suggest the proteins Ezh2 and Arid1a must be in balance to establish the proper tooth root pattern and integration of roots with jawbones. Together with colleagues, Yang Chai, DDS, PhD, associate dean of research at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, investigated what happens when Ezh2 is not present in the molars of developing mice. The team used epigenetics to study how Ezh2 — a protein that assists in the development of facial bones — affects root development. The paper provides a clearer understanding of the importance of balanced epigenetic regulation in determining tooth root patterns, as well as the processes involved in achieving physiological function through the integration of roots and bone.

From Decisions in Dentistry. October 2019;5(9):8.