Skin-like tissue developed from human embryonic stem cells

Dental and tissue engineering researchers at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and the Sackler School of Graduate Biomedical Sciences at Tufts have harnessed the pluripotency of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) to generate complex, multilayer tissues that mimic human skin and the oral mucosa

Researchers have been seeking methods to grow skin-like tissues outside of the body using new sources of stem cells such as hESC, with the goal of advancing regenerative medicine as a new therapy to replace or repair damaged or diseased tissue. Little is known about how hESC can be developed into the multilayer tissues similar to those that line the gums, cheeks, lips, and other areas in the mouth. We used in vitro tissue engineering techniques to produce skin-like tissues that mimic the lining tissues found in the oral cavity,” said Jonathan Garlick, DDS, PhD, professor of oral and maxillofacial pathology at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and a member of the cell, molecular & developmental biology program faculty at the Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences at Tufts.
Using a combination of chemical nutrients and specialized surfaces for cell attachment, an hES cell line (H9) was directed to form two distinct specialized cell populations. The first population forms the surface layer (ectodermal, the precursor to epithelial tissue), while the second is found beneath the surface layer (mesenchymal).

Following the isolation and characterization of these cell populations, the researchers incorporated them into an engineered, three-dimensional tissue system where they were grown at an air-liquid interface to mimic their growth environment in the oral cavity. Within two weeks, tissues developed that were similar in structure to those constructed using mature cells derived from newborn skin, which are the current gold standard for tissue fabrication.
“These engineered tissues are remarkably similar to their human counterparts and can be used to address major concerns facing the field of stem cell biology that are related to their clinical use. We can now use these engineered tissues as ’tissue surrogates’ to begin to predict how stable and safe hESC-derived cells will be after therapeutic transplantation. Our goal is to produce functional tissues to treat oral and skin conditions, like the early stages of cancer and inflammatory disease, as well as to accelerate the healing of recalcitrant wounds,” said Garlick.

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Genes that make teeth grow in a row

Ever wonder why sharks get several rows of teeth and people only get one? Some geneticists did, and their discovery could spur work to help adults one day grow new teeth when their own wear out.
A single gene appears to be in charge, preventing additional tooth formation in species destined for a limited set. Scientists at University of Rocheste bred mice that lacked that gene and the rodents developed extra teeth next to their first molars.

Also intriguing is the fact that all the mice born without this gene, called Osr2, had cleft palates severe enough to kill. So better understanding of this gene might play a role in efforts to prevent that birth defect.
Teeth may not be visible until long after birth, but they start to form early in embryo development. Teeth ultimately erupt from a thickened band of tissue along the jaw line called the dental lamina, a band that forms in a top layer of the gum called the epithelium. Scientists have long thought the signals for tooth formation must lie in that tissue layer as well. But the Rochester team found that all the action takes place instead in a deeper cell layer called the mesenchyme.

Dr. Rulang Jiang, a geneticist at Rochester’s Center for Oral Biology showed that the Osr2 gene is like a control switch, it turns on and off the downstream actions of other genes and proteins. In that mesenchymal tissue, the Osr2 gene works in concert with two other genes to make sure budding teeth form in the right spot. Knocking that molecular pathway out of whack causes either missing or extra teeth to result, Jiang showed in a series of mouse experiments.
Time alone will tell us what lies in the future but we sure can hope for a day when becoming edentulous is no longer a concern.

Nasal Spray may end some dental injections

A nasal spray shown to numb the upper jaw is set to be tested in a Food and Drug Administration Phase 3 trial. This will assess the spray’s effectiveness compared to the current “gold standard” of treatment which is painful anesthesia injections.

The upper jaw and the nose with its mucous membranes is supplied for the most of it by the same nerve (Maxillary nerve a branch of the 5th cranial nerve) The nasal spray formula being tested now is related to a drug used by ear, nose and throat physicians when they operate on the nose. Patients who received this anesthetic reported that their upper teeth felt numb, sparking interest in using the anesthetic for dental procedures. The spray is effective only on the upper teeth.

The Phase 3 trial will be carried out later this year at the University of Buffalo dental school and other clinical sites. If the Phase 3 trial is successful, it may mean the end of injections for any dental work performed on the upper teeth.

End in sight for the Dreaded Dentsit Drill

A new technology that spots tooth decay almost as soon as it’s begun promises to reduce the need for drilling and filling.

A preliminary study at King’s College London, where the technique is being developed, found that chemical changes in the tooth could be detected by analysing how light is scattered when a laser is fired at the tooth. Researchers were able to tell healthy teeth from carious teeth because bacteria, responsible for the decay, scatter light in a different way to healthy teeth.
Currently, decaying teeth are uncovered either by visual examination or the use of x-rays, but usually by then, the damage has been done and the decayed area must be drilled out. The new technology, which may be available in dental surgeries in five years from now, is based on Raman spectroscopy most commonly used to distinguish between different chemicals by identifying each molecule’s unique fingerprint. It detects decay simply and painlessly by pointing a tiny optical fibre at the tooth to check on its health.
The downside of developing the machines is the cost and the time it takes to do a scan – 30 seconds can be a long time for any patient to remain perfectly still.

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Pure Power MouthGuard- A New Sports Aid.

Athletes these days are looking towards a new option-in protective mouthpieces. The pros from many sports have turned to PPM, Pure Power Mouthguard, because it not only offers protection, but it also increases strength and balance. Sound silly? Well, it’s true.

A TENS (Transcutaneous Electro Neural Stimulation) unit is used to relax your muscles and find an optimal jaw position which is used by the PPM dentist to fit the mouthguard. PPM holds the jaws in ideal position, which results in improved vertebrae alignment and better muscled recruitment, balance, and upper body strength.
Most sports like like hockey, golf, basketball, football and also those requiring high degree of technical efficiency like gymnastics, soccer etc can also be affected by use of PPM.
So the next time you play some sport you might want to try the PPM.

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