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Could Fish Hold the Key to Tooth Regeneration?

Researchers at the University of Manitoba are exploring a novel question: can fish contribute to the growth of human teeth? This intriguing inquiry is taking place at the Rady Biomedical Fish Facility, a state-of-the-art lab featuring approximately 2,500 tropical fish distributed across various tanks. The two primary species under investigation—Mexican tetras and zebrafish—are hailed as forerunners in the field of regenerative medicine, according to Benjamin Lindsey, an assistant professor of human anatomy and cell science.

“Over the past couple of decades, scientists have discovered that when various body parts of zebrafish get injured—be it the brain, heart, skin, or limbs—these parts can regenerate,” Lindsey explained. “We are beginning to uncover potential universal mechanisms or broad regenerative pathways that may exist within the zebrafish.” This insight could pave the way for groundbreaking therapeutic strategies in human medicine.

As part of the research, fluorescent “tags” are applied to specific cells within the fish, allowing scientists to visualize and study their behavior during the repair and regeneration processes. “When illuminated appropriately, these tagged cells can be seen under fluorescence, allowing us to observe their activities in real time,” Lindsey noted.

Understanding Tooth Regeneration in Fish

Devi Atukorallaya, an associate professor at the U of M College of Dentistry, is examining how Mexican tetras regenerate their teeth. These fish are particularly relevant for such studies, as they utilize their teeth for chewing, similar to humans, and possess the remarkable ability to regenerate teeth up to 30 or 40 times.

“Our research uses the teeth as a model to investigate tooth regeneration and the role of stem cells in this process,” Atukorallaya remarked. Additionally, her studies delve into how different environments influence tooth and jaw development in fish. For instance, Mexican tetras residing in dark caves lack sight but develop larger teeth and jaws compared to their counterparts in well-lit habitats. This leads to research on whether eye development influences tooth formation.

“Removing the lens of the eye seems to impact the growth of the lower jaw, hinting that the developing lens may serve as a signaling center for tooth development,” Atukorallaya explained.

The fish used in these experiments are bred within the lab, where they are maintained in an advanced tank system that ensures optimal water quality and temperature, kept at a steady 27°C.

Both Atukorallaya and Lindsey express hopes that their research will contribute to the advancement of regenerative treatments for human patients in the future. “Utilizing fish models allows us to study disease mechanisms without the need for human embryos or patients. We can learn from these models and apply that knowledge to address human health issues,” Atukorallaya concluded.

Source
globalnews.ca