Posted on 02/23/2009 7:48:26 PM PST by Free ThinkerNY
A breakthrough by scientists could see dentures bite the dust.
Researchers have pinpointed the gene that governs the production of tooth enamel, raising the tantalising possibility of people one day growing extra teeth when needed.
At the very least, it could cut the need for painful fillings.
Experiments in mice have previously shown that the gene, a 'transcription factor' called Ctip2, is involved in the immune system and in the development of skin and nerves.
The latest research, from Oregon State University in the U.S., adds enamel production to the list.
The researchers made the link by studying mice genetically engineered to lack the gene.
The animals were born with rudimentary teeth which were ready to erupt but lacked a proper covering of enamel, the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reports.
Researcher Dr Chrissa Kioussi said: 'It's not unusual for a gene to have multiple functions, but before this we didn't know what regulated the production of tooth enamel.
'This is the first transcription factor ever found to control the formation and maturation of ameloblasts, which are the cells that secrete enamel.'
The finding could be applied to human health and, if used in conjunction with fledgling stem cell technology, could one day allow people to grow replacement teeth when needed.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Knew a gal who was born with only baby teeth. Once they were gone, they were gone.
Further affiant sayeth not.
Bobby Clarke approves of this thread.
people one day growing extra teeth...
hmmm one day ....figures, I probably won’t be here, darn it.
I’ve often complained humans were shortchanged. Why do sharks get new
teeth and we don’t. It’s just not fair.
Won’t you look cute!
YYYYEEEESSSSS!!!!! (sitting here with a toothless grin)
Oh wait, I will long dead before they figure it out. (sitting here now with a toothless frown)
Will it grow vampire teeth? Cause that would be cool.
Implants are here and now.
Most of you reading this will be dead by the time this gene generated teeth play out. Like a real cure for baldness or the cold, it just aint happening until its too late for us.
another peice of the tooth puzzle. I remember when they found the first one, everyone talked about having tooth buds implanted
now THIS is something we could actually use!
Too bad we’ll never see it marketed.
remember a handfull of years ago they apparently came out with some substance that they could coat your teeth with and it would prevent all decaying. And it was CHEAP!
never heard another thing about it...
Now if they could just figure out a way to use it to make the male member larger... ;-)
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