Biologically active molecules, called growth factors, trigger stem cells to differentiate into specialized cells. If different growth factors are introduced, different cell types will form. In order to grow tissue from stem cells, scientists usually have to extract stem cells from the body, genetically modify them in a lab and reintroduce them to the body. The new laser-technique would be non-invasive and much faster and more efficient.
“Our treatment modality does not introduce anything new to the body, and lasers are routinely used in medicine and dentistry, so the barriers to clinical translation are low,” said David Mooney, leader of the research team.
The team set up a mini-dentist office and drilled holes into the molars of rats to simulate human tooth decay. Human stem cells were introduced to the pulp and a low-light laser was applied to stimulate the growth factors. Then, the teeth were sealed with temporary caps for three months. After three months, x-rays were taken and the scientists found that the dentin had regrown due to the laser and the stem cells.
Now the Harvard team want to take their work to human clinical trials. They are currently working with one of the National Institutes of Health in the USA to outline the necessary safety and efficacy parameters.
Sources:
http://www.seas.harvard.edu/news/2014/05/researchers-use-light-to-coax-stem-cells-to-repair-teeth
http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/scientists-use-lasers-regrow-teeth-stem-cells
http://stm.sciencemag.org/content/6/238/238ra69
