A research team in South Korea has uncovered a genetic mechanism responsible for delayed tooth development and impaired mineralisation.
The team at the Korea University College of Medicine investigated the role of the Axin2 gene, which encodes a negative regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway—a critical pathway that orchestrates cell proliferation, differentiation, and organogenesis.
Their paper is published in the Journal of Dental Research.
Using a zebra fish model, the researchers employed CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to delete Axin2. Zebra fish lacking this gene exhibited reduced body size, delayed eruption and growth of teeth, and markedly diminished levels of calcium and phosphorus, the essential minerals for dental hard tissue formation. Furthermore, the expression of key odontogenic marker genes was significantly downregulated.
These findings demonstrate that precise temporal regulation of Wnt signaling is indispensable for normal tooth morphogenesis and mineralisation. Disruption of this pathway by genetic defects such as Axin2 deficiency results in teeth that are softer and slower to develop.
“Our results provide an important clue to understanding the genetic basis of inherited dental disorders,” Professor Ji-suk Shim said.
“This study also lays the groundwork for future research in tooth regeneration and targeted therapies for developmental dental diseases.”
