Study Suggests Genes Play a Role In Dental Caries and Periodontitis

Findings from research led by the Institute of Odontology at Umeå University in Sweden indicate individuals may be predisposed to caries and/or periodontitis if they carry genes associated with these conditions. Published in Nature Communications, the study suggests hereditary traits and other factors may play a role in the disease process.

The meta-analysis, “Genome-Wide Analysis of Dental Caries and Periodontitis Combining Clinical and Self-Reported Data,” entailed analyzing combined data from nine international clinical studies and scanning millions of strategic points in the genome to identify genes with links to dental disease. Using a method called genome-wide association, the researchers analyzed data from 523,000 subjects to map the association between caries scores or periodontitis and genetic variation across the human genome. The team identified 47 new genes with connections to caries.

Researchers also observed the relationship by comparing the genetic determinants of caries and periodontitis with the genetic determinants of other health traits and diseases. In addition, the study confirmed the previously known immune-related gene SIGLEC5 is linked to periodontitis. This gene helps regulate the immune functions of monocytes, macrophages and neutrophils; in addition, some bacteria can attach to the SIGLEC5 protein to modulate host response. It is hoped this research will lead to new preventive measures for managing caries and periodontitis.

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