Genetics – is probably the most important field of biology at current times because it sheds light on the nature of life and explains how living creatures received their features and why we are what we are.
All these factors are highly beneficial for medicine, allowing scientists to explore the deep molecular "roots" of human diseases.
For instance, recently, a collaborative group of scientists from the US, China, Brazil, and other countries revealed three genes that play crucial roles in human dental morphology, regulating teeth development.
What did scientists discover?
Researchers analyzed genomes of Colombian citizens of European, Native American, and African ancestry, examining three dental dimensions: mesiodistal diameter (MDD), buccolingual diameter (BLD), and crown height.
Among 18 DNA regions, scientists identified three important genes named:
- EDAR
- PITX2
- HS3ST3A1
How do these genes work?
EDAR is associated with hair thickness and shovel-shaped incisors, affecting tooth size. During the experiment, mice with a disrupted EDAR demonstrated notable enamel loss in incisors. Still, this effect was less pronounced on molars because anterior teeth, as it turned out, are more sensitive to genetic changes.
PITX2 is essential for tooth morphogenesis. Some mutations in this gene may lead to severe dental abnormalities, such as hypodontia, and significantly affect molar size and cusp shape.
HS3ST3A1 and related genes are responsible for essential sulfation processes necessary for dental development.
When scientists, during the experiment, researched mice without PITX2 or HS3ST3A1, they observed dramatic changes in the shape and size of the teeth. This phenomenon particularly affects the first and the third molars (humans have similar physiological mechanisms of dental structure development).
Why it's important?
First, these discoveries shed light on evolutionary insights into human dental development, which will undoubtedly significantly contribute to anthropology. Additionally, discovered genes' functions will deepen understanding of inherited dental abnormalities and dysmorphologies.
Check more insights from the dental science related to genetics:
