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Axis inhibition protein 2 (AXIN2) polymorphisms and tooth agenesis
N Callahan1, A Modesto, R Meira
1Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
Archives of Oral Biology
|September 16, 2008
Summary
Genetic analysis reveals the AXIN2 gene is significantly associated with tooth agenesis, particularly in cases involving missing incisors. This finding suggests AXIN2
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
- Oral Health
Background:
- Tooth agenesis is a prevalent congenital condition affecting approximately 20% of the global population.
- Several genes, including AXIN2, IRF6, FGFR1, MSX1, PAX9, and TGFA, have been implicated in tooth agenesis.
- The AXIN2 gene is of particular interest due to its prior association with both oligodontia and colorectal cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the AXIN2 gene and tooth agenesis in families with this condition.
- To determine if AXIN2 plays a role in sporadic forms of incisor agenesis.
Main Methods:
- Studied two collections of families affected with tooth agenesis.
- Tested these families for genetic association with the AXIN2 gene.
Main Results:
- A significant association (p=0.02) was found between tooth agenesis and the AXIN2 gene in individuals with at least one missing incisor.
- This study provides further evidence for AXIN2's role in human tooth agenesis.
Conclusions:
- The findings support a role for AXIN2 in human tooth agenesis, including sporadic forms of common incisor agenesis.
- Further research is needed to identify specific tooth agenesis subtypes linked to AXIN2 variations.
- Identifying these links may reveal increased susceptibility to colon cancer or other tumors, with significant clinical implications.
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