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For the first time in history, dental researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio have successfully mapped the gene that causes dentinogenesis imperfecta (DGI) Type III. This disease affects the density and color of teeth and can cause teeth to wear to the gum line. The research team identified a rare compound mutation in the dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) gene in a family with DGI-III. They have cloned and characterized the DSPP gene, determined its structure, and identified the alteration in the affected family. Their findings were published in the February 2005 issue of the American Journal of Medical Genetics.
DIG-III is one of the most prevalent dental genetic diseases. With the identification of the underlying cause of the disease, researchers hope to develop strategies for treatment using gene therapy. Effective gene therapy would allow transportation of the corrected gene into the developing teeth to replace the nonfunctional gene, thus eliminating the problem. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research funded the project for nearly $1 million.
(Source: The Mission, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, February/March 2005)
