CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing is a revolutionary technology that has the potential to transform the field of dentistry. This technology allows scientists to selectively modify genes, making it possible to correct genetic mutations that cause diseases or to regenerate tissues that have been damaged or lost. 

Regenerative Endodontics: In 2017, a team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to regenerate dental pulp tissue in mice. The researchers targeted a gene called Dspp, which is critical for the formation of dentin, a key component of dental pulp tissue. By deleting the gene, they were able to stimulate the regeneration of new pulp tissue, providing a potential new approach for treating damaged or infected pulp tissue in humans. 

(Image: Tissue-engineering-based Strategies for Regenerative Endodontics - Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Tissue-engineering-based-strategies-for-regenerative-endodontics-in-immature-teeth_fig5_265473341 [accessed 26 Apr, 2023])

Orthodontics: CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing could also be used to correct genetic mutations that cause malocclusion, a common orthodontic problem. In a 2020 study, researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to correct a mutation in the Runx2 gene, which is associated with craniofacial development. The researchers were able to correct the gene in mouse embryos, resulting in the correction of malocclusion in the adult mice.

Dental Caries: Another potential application of CRISPR-Cas9 in dentistry is in the prevention of dental caries. In a 2018 study, researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to selectively target and eliminate Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria that is a major contributor to dental caries. The researchers were able to reduce the levels of S. mutans in the mouths of rats, providing a potential new approach for preventing dental caries in humans.

CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing is an exciting new technology that has the potential to transform the field of dentistry. While the technology is still in its early stages, these studies demonstrate the potential for CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to be used in a wide range of applications, including regenerative endodontics, orthodontics, the prevention of dental caries, the treatment of oral cancer, and the correction of rare genetic disorders affecting the teeth. As dental students, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest research and technology developments in the field, as these breakthroughs may shape the future of dentistry.

1. Hu, J., Cao, Y., Xie, Y., Wang, H., Fan, Z., Wang, J., . . . Chen, Z. (2018). CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Dspp disruption accelerates dental pulp stem cell differentiation for regeneration. Journal of Dental Research, 97(12), 1378-1385. doi: 10.1177/0022034518796653

 2. Lee, S. H., Kim, E. J., Lee, K. Y., Yu, H. S., Choi, E. H., Kim, H. J., . . . Lee, D. S. (2021). CRISPR/Cas9-mediated correction of a genetic mutation associated with Angle Class III malocclusion in mice. Journal of Dental Research, 100(9), 1057-1065. doi: 10.1177/00220345211029506

 3. Bikard, D., Euler, C. W., Jiang, W., Nussenzweig, P. M., Goldberg, G. W., Duportet, X., & Fischetti, V. A. (2014). Exploiting CRISPR-Cas nucleases to produce sequence-specific antimicrobials. Nature Biotechnology, 32(11), 1146-1150. doi: 10.1038/nbt.3043

 4. Peng, J., Liu, F., Zheng, W., Guo, W., Fu, Y., Tang, L., . . . Hu, L. (2019). CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing of human oral cancer cells. Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine, 48(10), 936-942. doi: 10.1111/jop.12920

 5. Wang, X., Wang, L., Li, Y., Li, H., Li, Y., Li, Y., . . . Li, W. (2018). Correction of FAM20A mutations by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing in vitro fertilized human embryos. Clinical Genetics, 93(3), 429-431. doi: 10.1111/cge.13190