Researchers Discover Mechanism for Enamel Regeneration
Researchers Discover Mechanism for Enamel Regeneration Ameloblasts, or enamel forming cells, have limited regeneration capability. Now researchers are pointing to the extracellular matrix protein thrombospondin 2 (TSP2) as a potential key player in the development and regeneration of these protective
Researchers Discover Mechanism for Enamel Regeneration
Ameloblasts, or enamel-forming cells, have limited regeneration capability. Now researchers are pointing to the extracellular matrix protein thrombospondin 2 (TSP2) as a potential key player in the development and regeneration of these protective cells. Through the use of nanotechnology, researchers were able to signal production of a scaffold for this extracellular matrix of proteins so that remineralization of enamel may occur. This discovery brings scientists closer to being able to regenerate enamel.
The study “Bioactive Nanofibers Enable the Identification of Thrombospondin 2 as a Key Player in Enamel Regeneration,” published in August by Biomaterials, explores the use of extracellular matrix protein TSP2 for the development and regeneration of enamel. In subsequent studies testing TSPS’ regenerative capabilities, researchers from the Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles report that the protein demonstrates great importance in the regulation of cell-matrix interactions during the formation of enamel. Researchers concluded that manipulation of signaling pathways may provide insight into potential mechanisms for tooth development and enamel regeneration. USC researchers will be conducting additional large-scale studies to learn more about this process.
Hygiene Connection E-Newsletter
September 2015
