Teeth protein may help regenerate bone

Scientists have discovered that a teeth protein plays an important role in bone regeneration, a surprise finding that may benefit patients suffering from osteoporosis or bone fractures.
Normally found in the formation of enamel, which is an important component of teeth, a partial segment of the protein statherin can be used to signal bone growth, scientists at Queen Mary University of London found.
"What is surprising and encouraging about this research is that we can now use this particular molecule to signal cells and enhance bone growth within the body," said co-author Dr Alvaro Mata from QMUL's School of Engineering and Materials Science and the Institute of Bioengineering.

The team created bio-active membranes made from segments of different proteins to show which protein in particular played the crucial role.
They demonstrated the bone stimulating effect in a rat model, and used analytical techniques to visualise and measure the newly formed calcified tissue.
"The benefit of creating a membrane of proteins using these molecules means it can be both bio-active and easily handled to apply over injured areas in the bone," Co-author Dr Esther Tejeda-Montes also at QMUL's School of Engineering and Materials Science said.
"Our work enables the possibility to create robust synthetic bone grafts that can be tuned to stimulate the natural regenerative process, which is limited in most synthetic bone graft alternatives," Mata added.

The study was published in the journal Biomaterials.