Last Updated on Monday, 19 April 2010 12:52 Written by Josh White Tuesday, 18 March 2008 10:32
In 2004 scientists at King's College London set up a company called Odontis. They have been working on developing human teeth from stem cells. This biological replacement tooth has been trademarked as BioTooth.
The idea is to take adult stem cells, treat them in a cell culture so they would be programmed to develop into teeth and then transplanted into the patients jaw where the gap is. Then a replacement tooth grows just as happens when humans grow their original adult teeth. It is thought it would then take two to three months for the tooth to fully develop. The cost should not be more than existing treatments making it an attractive alternative to other technologies such as implants and dentures.
By 2007 Dr. Paul Sharpe and his team had learned to control the type of tooth formed and control the basic shapes, i.e. molar, incisor. Tooth development involves a network of thousands of genes. It's not necessary to understand what all the genes are doing to get the ball rolling, Sharpe says. Rather, by watching when a few key genes are turned on and off, the researchers have learned which are most important in the control of size and shape. Some genes only work in the upper jaw, others only where molars grow. In one experiment, Sharpe's team took early tooth buds from growing embryos and switched on a gene known to be active in growing molars. They implanted the buds in the front of the jaws of mice, where incisors would normally grow. The rodents emerged with molars in front and back.
The teeth are grown in mice kidney capsules because they provide a convenient site for prolonged growth due to the bountiful blood supply to the developing tooth. Dr. Sharpe’s aim was never to grow teeth in kidneys. This is just his experimental test system. In the future its likely that the teeth will be grown in some sort of artificial bio-reactor which itself is still in development.
The tooth bud is then implanted in the jaw and the gum stitched or sealed with a clinical "glue". They have not started human clinical trials yet, however they expect the procedure to be less invasive than a tooth extraction and the requirements for post-procedure care would be similar. After implantation it takes the tooth about 3 weeks to set in the jaw of a mouse. As long as the tooth is not under heavy load, it sets well.
The technology to grow replacement teeth could mean the end of dentures. Living teeth would be much better than dentures because they can respond to a persons bite. They move and in doing so they maintain the health of the surrounding gums and teeth. Dr. Sharpe has patented the technique and hopes to begin human trials in a few years once they perfect their techniques.
Predicting a release date to market is difficult as its still in development but according to their website they are expecting it to be available in "several years".
Source: Odontis.com
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Discuss (71 posts)
| Baldato |
Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
May 15 2010 20:05:17 I can confirm that it is very disheartening not to know the degree of progress in the work of experimentation and even harder to understand when they know the real Appice. If we add are often as citizens to fund research through state taxes, is even more doubt if our money is well spent or used only for conveying a dead end.
Reading articles about time to see the testing of stem cells for human applications, biologists had more advanced problems, rather than repair of the tooth, the difficulty of regenerating it (for example to understand the orientation of the tooth, the cusps , the exact type of tooth). From a bad tooth, preserving the outer structure and therefore only need to recreate the dental pulp, the dentin and enamel, could in itself be a more feasible that (assuming that the current findings are at least encouraging result obtained in this particular aspect). Gentlemen, the forum in terms of the comparison is really important, because thanks to the testimonies taken by each of us, He's helped to build a clearer picture of the situation. We should not be alone in wanting However, you should indeed widen the debate, especially involving other people and claiming that the search remains obscure and impenetrable terrain, but rather an integral part of the daily interest of each citizen. |
#365 |
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Re:Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
May 15 2010 20:36:18 The statements made by Songtao Shi's research team previously indicate that they're at an agreement that being able to grow a tooth from scratch is a step towards being able to eventually growing a new limb. Besides that, this is something that affects every single one of us. Of course, I'm not raising this above other research that might lead to actually saving lives, but I acknowledge the fact that this is both an issue that's impacting all of us, and an important milestone towards being able to engineer living organs.
By the way, I messed-up badly a few posts back, calling Songtao Shi - Shingtao Shi. Thanks for pointing that out...  |
#366 |
| Baldato |
Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
May 16 2010 19:42:21 I try to make the general point about discourses emerged so far. As far as we know from news reports through the web, the team of scholars worldwide who are experimenting with stem cells for regeneration of many teeth. Throughout a series of strict international protocols no experiment can be done on animals so-called "pet", hence the fallback in mice and pigs. Encouraging news of a possible regrowth of teeth in humans in the near future are heralded over the past seven years. According to Professor Papaccio regrowth of teeth in rats would occur naturally over and over again without any external intervention. It is assumed therefore that these sensational discoveries can not have a connection with the man having the radical difficulty of living by bringing two opposites in terms of genetic traits-dental. Absolute silence or vague answers in the heads of the major clinical trials in this area. Stem cells as true (and next) panacea for all ills or big question negatively magnified in importance (given the necessity of long time of experimentation) from misleading information or just meditate? Posterity will judge!
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#372 |
| angry |
Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
May 17 2010 13:37:24 Is professor Papaccio studying on how to regrow teeth?
As i already said it, it is frustrating not to know exactly what they do or not. |
#373 |
| angry |
Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
May 17 2010 14:16:47 Please can someone translate this to me, i don't understand :
www.dentistryiq.com/index/display/articl...dy_s-stem_cells.html |
#374 |
| Baldato |
Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
May 17 2010 20:29:42 To answer the last two posts, I can say that Professor Papaccio has patented the technique of mandibular bone regeneration due to stem, and that is no small thing as it gives hope to those who until recently could not even aspire to a facility Dental; as to applications for the regrowth of teeth do not think he is still exposed, I have news on his intention to make or not. It would be interesting to see whether he plans to proceed with this step or if indeed the growth of the teeth with the stem is still a very distant goal for all and therefore prematurely heralded with news somewhat illusory.
From mail response to my questions, including how well he knows the various Gronthos, Sharpe, Thuja and their studies with related issues. So, since his email address is public, transcribe it here so all stakeholders can ask him questions maybe getting some enlightening information useful to give further food for thought in this forum. Regarding Article linked, though using a translator (from good Italian), I can not understand whether you are talking about regeneration of jaw bone where a plant would be accepted or training and regrowth of lost or damaged teeth. What is certain is that the article also offers here a glimmer of possible human applications, but did not say nor the time for the start of clinical testing, nor even the results obtained so far. Something vaguely already heard or read many years ago! I am convinced that the solution is still a long way: if the various researchers will disproved in a few short years, I am willing to pay a charge: you are all witnesses! Professor Papaccio mail address is: **************** |
#375 |
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Re:Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
May 18 2010 17:36:14 Thanks for Professor Papaccio's e-mail address.
What I really feel sorry about are the people I know that are suffering from tooth loss and are unable to afford replacements. I also know a few of my relatives and friends that are desperate for this. I want to get involved, be up-to-date and do anything I can, not just wait. And this is sort of a direct question to Professor Papaccio - what can be done from people who want to benefit to this, to help with advancing this project? It's really annoying to know that it could be possible to have this done in the near future, but we can't really do anything to help this come into being sooner. I believe strongly that, if we can get involved with this, it may not be long that we really see some real application of this. After all, from tests on animals, they did manage to find out how to instigate different types of tooth. And they also found out how to trigger the reflex in mice to regrow their teeth (which means that can also be done with people who have the specific gene that allows them to grow a third set of teeth). So, basically, what really need to be made is a ''working'' tooth bud, that can cause the same process in anyone. At least, that's what can be concluded from Papaccio's stataments and reports from these other research groups. Again, is anyone aware of any other research groups concentrating on this? Preferably with more detail of their current progress. |
#379 |
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Re:Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
May 18 2010 17:52:13 Also, Baldato, you could you care to give me some description or reading material on Professor Papaccio's patented technique for bone regeneration? I would like to know more about it.
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#380 |
| Baldato |
Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
May 18 2010 21:17:29 As I did in my last post, I link to sites where I found the news of clinical trials carried out by Professor Papaccio on a group of patients. Are all strictly in Italian, will therefore try to explain my concern that some passages are difficult to understand for foreign users.
It is certain that if Professor Papaccio did try following the regeneration of mandibular bone or patent a technique regrowth of teeth, not only register their name in the annals of medicine, but rather of human history. Beating the other research teams, and above all give hope to millions and millions of people to finally get back to enjoying life with real teeth. The obstacle is human experimentation: the circumstances of dental pulp stem cells were adult autologous, totipotent, and zero risk factor for cancer, are of the opinion that anyone, whether it was granted the opportunity presented itself voluntary for testing. I hope the teacher can read these posts and it is proved eager as us to give real hope in a short period of time, to all those who wish to return to smile with teeth. Health is priceless! www.infodent.it/?c1=news&c2=art&id=344 www.salentosalute.it/index.php?option=co...otesi-dentarie-umane www.ecmjournal.org/journal/papers/vol018/pdf/v018a07.pdf |
#381 |
| john |
Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
May 21 2010 04:19:39 i have had 4 implants to my top front teeth their is no feeling in them whatsoever can i have them removed and have the tooth bud put in the hole.or would you have to wait for it to heal first.
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#386 |
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Re:Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
May 21 2010 13:59:42 Hi John. Welcome to the forum. As the others have discussed its about rebuilding the jaw bone and gum first which seems to be possible now at least in trials (see previous posts). From there you'd have a good foundation for an implant either artificial or bio. However it seems the stem cell derived 'biotooth' is not ready yet so its all just speculation. Anyone correct me if I'm wrong....
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#388 |
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Re:Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
May 30 2010 00:24:41 Another group working on the same idea. This was released last week.
NEW YORK (May 19, 2010) - A technique pioneered in the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine Laboratory of Dr. Jeremy Mao, the Edward V. Zegarelli Professor of Dental Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, can orchestrate stem cells to migrate to a three-dimensional scaffold infused with growth factor, holding the translational potential to yield an anatomically correct tooth in as soon as nine weeks once implanted. An animal-model study has shown that by homing stem cells to a scaffold made of natural materials and integrated in surrounding tissue, there is no need to use harvested stem cell lines, or create an environment outside of the body (e.g., a Petri dish) where the tooth is grown and then implanted once it has matured. The tooth instead can be grown “orthotopically,” or in the socket where the tooth will integrate with surrounding tissue in ways that are impossible with hard metals or other materials. "These findings represent the first report of regeneration of anatomically shaped tooth-like structures in vivo, and by cell homing without cell delivery,” Dr. Mao and his colleagues say in the paper. "The potency of cell homing is substantiated not only by cell recruitment into scaffold microchannels, but also by the regeneration of periodontal ligaments and newly formed alveolar bone." This study is published in the most recent Journal of Dental Research, the top-rated, peer-reviewed scientific journal dedicated to the dissemination of new knowledge and information on all sciences relevant to dentistry, the oral cavity and associated structures in health and disease. cumc.columbia.edu/news/press_releases/MAOtooth.html |
#392 |
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Re:Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
May 30 2010 00:37:32 It would only seem logical that sufficient bone is needed for any regenerated tooth. I don't think regenerated teeth by Maos (or another method) would address the need for attached gingiva and interdental gum tissue. However, it appears it does regrow all other needed support alveolar bone and periodontal ligaments.
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#393 |
| Baldato |
Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
May 30 2010 19:55:23 Nothing new under the sun: I read the latest discovery in order of time, or that relating Equipe Dr. Mao. Guess we mark the date in the past as we did for the sensational discoveries made by biologists in several other parts of the world, because without concrete evidence everything becomes an end in itself pure news, like a mere speculation, exaggerated by the media.
Not to be negative, but in recent times, based on what had emerged from the discussions of the forum, I had bothered to contact the various professors (now several times by name) to ask their lights work and progress on the accuracy of statements made by Professor Papaccio. Well no one went away with the burden to respond, nor to deny nor to confirm: in the end they are a humble citizen and therefore I do not think he deserves any kind of news. I post the link instead of a forum of Italian dentists, in which I asked the question relating to the possible use of stem cells for tooth regeneration. Though it is in Italian (you can use online translator), it is interesting to read what you think about my country's dentists. www.dentisti-italia.it/dentista-risposte...nali-in-odontoiatria |
#394 |
| sodrico |
Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
May 31 2010 23:58:31 They have actually found out how to re-grow teeth, the only thing now they are waiting for is the artificial bio- machine thing they use to create it but once it gets to clinical trials, it will get into market in no time. I got told by next year it will all be completed so brace yourselves for sudden news, myself i was born with missing upper latterals and i would rather have them than push my teeth together, just for asthetic purposes but i understand people have more than 2 teeth missing so im not really a priority here
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#395 |
| Baldato |
Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
Jun 02 2010 07:22:02 After reading the latest news in chronological order regarding the regeneration of teeth, this time bearing the signature of Dr. Mao Columbia University, I decided to write to the biologist in question for more information.
Exposing all the concerns raised by the exchange of views took place in this forum is for ever real promise of clinical applications on humans, both for the regeneration of tooth substantive difference between animal (the mouse to be precise) and the human, the Professor Mao said in a brief but fairly comprehensive. Will report quoted the salient steps so it can make you a rough idea and then draw the most appropriate considerations: "What we are regenerated anatomically correct human and rat tissues in teeth with native biomaterial scaffolds in an approach that can be adopted readily in a clinical trial. We're working on the design of a clinical trial. Although mouse and rat teeth eruptive continuously, we regenerated a rat tooth in the socket after the natural tooth extracted was - not a chance for regrowth. It will take a successful clinical trial before regulatory approval for broad clinical applications". |
#396 |
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Re:Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
Jun 05 2010 10:16:28 It's unfortunate that these developments take 10 to 15 years from the start of trials until they make it to market. Since the Mao teeth only take 6 weeks to grow, you would think the clinical trials would be quick to perform. But I guess they'll need to follow the usual protocol of pre-clinical, phase I, phase II, phase III etc.. And that's only if they get enough funding to follow through to the end..
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#398 |
| Baldato |
Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
Aug 10 2010 16:35:45 Unfortunately, updating the website, the last post related to this article have been inexorably lost!
Of the latter one in particular emphasized two major aspects: how Odontis had enthusiastically emphasized in 2004 the implementation of a tooth with stem cells, only to have to admit that after six years did nothing new hope soon a possible clinical application in humans, the other point focused on the fact that only in the last 18 months had been mapped genetically very complex structure at the base of the teeth. Research on the possibility of tooth regeneration is therefore very young, and must necessarily make further progress in the next decade to finally put into practice the many reports circulating the net recently and, according to the same dentist, often consist of systems 'interview, pseudo-scientific articles that are blatant advertising fee of some dental offices! The last steps seem promising, but how much of this can be concretely applied to short? I mean who would benefit from two applications matured in recent months: the discovery of the gene Ctip2, by a group of scientists at Oregon State University, which could be used to strengthen the enamel and repair damaged teeth, and the use of 'alpha melanocyte hormone, or alpha-MSH, which should help to regenerate dental pulp thus avoiding the current root canal. If that were actually used (and the most experienced man in a few years), those suffering from disorders related to necrosis or damage tooth enamel, would see a less invasive dental care and above could still enjoy a 100% natural smile. We'll see how it will end and if it is a story from the triumphalism but still vague. |
#408 |
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Re:Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
Aug 14 2010 13:01:32 Hi Baldato. Yes unfortunately as I moved the website to the new larger server the most recent backup failed and I had to settle for second oldest backup meaning some recent forum posts were lost.
Back to the topic of tooth stem cells, MSH does seem to be a popular topic at the moment and is being investigated as a dental gel for tooth regeneration. www.globalshift.org/2010/08/10/new-denta...e-for-bone-regrowth/ MSH is a naturally-occurring chemical within the human body. Produced in the pituitary gland, it’s already known to play a role in determining skin color, similar to melatonin. But MSH also plays a role in the development of bone growth throughout the body — something that scientists attached to the dental gel are hoping to capitalize on. |
#410 |
| Baldato |
Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
Aug 21 2010 14:42:44 Well, again, in light of the latest news in dentistry-regenerative, I wanted to ask some questions about possible future scenarios regarding the pair stem-teeth.
This time I asked the professor at the University of Zurich, Mitsiadis, what actually may be short to medium term the real application of many studies and experiments conducted on laboratory animals. Mitsiadis states that "the re-grow of an Entire tooth (called bio-tooth) is a long term challenge, but scientists believe (as they should do) that one day this will become a reality. Experiments in animals have shown that this is not an utopia, but for applications in the generation of humans to bio-tooth is a complex process much that somebody has to take into consideration ". The reason is that: "The time of growth of human teeth is long (takes several years this process), the shape of the crown has to be defined, the eruption has to be controlled etc.. So, so many problems and parameters to define and control for the generation of a bio-tooth that to my humble opinion this will take a lot of years (I explain this to the interviews and seminars I am giving to dissipate the false hopes that some colleagues communicated to the media several months ago)". Certainly he gives the names of those who have cried too early to wonder, even ourselves because we already know the actual state of progress for some. The final hope for a reserve mail applications that may fill the hearts of many children struggle with dental problems: "I do believe that we can now repair small defects in human teeth using stem cells, and in this direction goes the nice study of Prof Papaccio from Napoli with whom I am collaborating. As dentist and biologist I believe that the domain of regenerative dentistry will increase the potential to repair tissues (as teeth) using combinations of stem cells, scaffolds and signaling molecules". I hope to have been more helpful to understand many, and simply, what really journalists should give as concrete news. |
#417 |
| Derek |
Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
Aug 31 2010 18:06:14 Hello, I have developed all types of health issues from working a sick building syndrome place for 15 yrs .However i have a front bridge for a missing front tooth when that bridge has fallen out in the past few yrs seems it gets loose and falls out ever few yrs but last time it was out for a week all my health issues were vanishing until a week later when getting the tooth back in , so now im wondering if the bridge is not what is stopping me from getting my health back and figured only something natural in there would be compatable so any info on this or new updates if you could pass it along i greatly appreciate...lilbull624@aol.com
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#420 |
| Derek |
Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
Aug 31 2010 18:06:21 Hello, I have developed all types of health issues from working a sick building syndrome place for 15 yrs .However i have a front bridge for a missing front tooth when that bridge has fallen out in the past few yrs seems it gets loose and falls out ever few yrs but last time it was out for a week all my health issues were vanishing until a week later when getting the tooth back in , so now im wondering if the bridge is not what is stopping me from getting my health back and figured only something natural in there would be compatable so any info on this or new updates if you could pass it along i greatly appreciate...lilbull624@aol.com
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#421 |
| Derek |
Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
Aug 31 2010 18:06:28 Hello, I have developed all types of health issues from working a sick building syndrome place for 15 yrs .However i have a front bridge for a missing front tooth when that bridge has fallen out in the past few yrs seems it gets loose and falls out ever few yrs but last time it was out for a week all my health issues were vanishing until a week later when getting the tooth back in , so now im wondering if the bridge is not what is stopping me from getting my health back and figured only something natural in there would be compatable so any info on this or new updates if you could pass it along i greatly appreciate...lilbull624@aol.com
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#422 |
| Derek |
Growing New Teeth With Stem Cells - Odontis
Aug 31 2010 18:06:40 Hello, I have developed all types of health issues from working a sick building syndrome place for 15 yrs .However i have a front bridge for a missing front tooth when that bridge has fallen out in the past few yrs seems it gets loose and falls out ever few yrs but last time it was out for a week all my health issues were vanishing until a week later when getting the tooth back in , so now im wondering if the bridge is not what is stopping me from getting my health back and figured only something natural in there would be compatable so any info on this or new updates if you could pass it along i greatly appreciate...lilbull624@aol.com
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#423 |
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