A Japanese study finds a new drug that may enable humans to regrow a third set of teeth.

Foreign media: Japanese researchers have discovered a drug that may enable humans to regrow a third set of teeth.

The study, led by Dr. Katsuhisa Takahashi from the Osaka City Medical Research Institute, found that the USAG-1 protein limits tooth growth through research on the genetic principles of tooth development. By blocking this protein with a drug, experimental mice successfully grew new teeth.

Researchers plan to bring this drug to market around 2030, hoping it will become a third option besides dentures and implants. The study also found that human mouths have the germ cells for a third set of teeth. Activating these germ cells through gene manipulation may lead to tooth regeneration.

If clinical trials go smoothly, people who lose their teeth due to genetic diseases, accidents, or aging may be able to regrow their teeth in the future.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1847846272086024/

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