Trends in and future of regenerative therapy

Aug. 3, 2009
Regenerative therapy is expected to be one of the novel clinical systems in the 21st century. A recent study demonstrates the successful replacement of a fully functioning tooth through transplantation of bioengineered tooth germ into the alveolar bone of a lost tooth region in adult mice.

by Takashi Tsuji, PhD

Regenerative therapy is expected to be one of the novel clinical systems in the 21st century. In recent decades, stem cells have been identified in various tissues, contributing to the developing concept that our bodies are maintained throughout our lifetime by a system of stem cells. The approaches to creating the first generation of regenerative therapy have been influenced by our understanding of embryonic development, stem cell biology, and tissue engineering technology. In particular, the identification of hematopoietic stem cells and their successful clinical application in the treatment of leukemia have led to the concept of stem cell transplantation therapy. Indeed, in order to restore the partial loss of organ function, stem cell transplantation therapy has been developed as a cure for various diseases such as leukemia, Parkinson’s disease, and cardiac infarction.

In our recent study, we demonstrate the successful replacement of a fully functioning tooth through transplantation of bioengineered tooth germ into the alveolar bone of a lost tooth region in adult mice.

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