Teeth Extract a Good Source for Stem Cell

The wisdom teeth that you get removed might just prove to be a treasure trove for stem cell researchers-as extracted teeth could provide a non-controversial source of stem cells, according to a new Japanese study.

Yet another breakthorugh research on stem cell is in news these days. A research condusted in Japan has suggested that dental pulp from extracted teeth may be an easy source of Induced Pluripotent Stem (IPS) cells, which like embryonic stem cells, have the potential to form several different cell types.

Unlike embryonic cells, which are extracted from days-old human embryos, generating stem cells from dental pulp is a relatively non-invasive and non-controversial process.

“One of the exciting things about dental pulp stem cells is how accessible they are, especially when you think about primary teeth. We and others have been able to extract stem cells from teeth that would have fallen out anyway,” added Jacques Nör, a professor and researcher at University of Michigan’s School of Dentistry.

The aim of stem cell research is to create techniques to replace diseased cells and regenerate the body.

Nor also Said.. “One thing we don’t want to do is create false expectations, we know this isn’t going to be a cure for everything. As long as people keep this in mind, it may be useful in 5, 10, 15 years from now as a treatment for significant diseases.”

This study is an important first step, showing the potential of opening stem cell banks. You wouldn’t have to give up your own teeth to take advantage of this,” said Giannobile. “The emphasis will now be on the safety aspects to make sure the cells that have been derived don’t have tumorigenic potential.”