Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2025
07:17
Studying Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Mice
Published on: August 2, 2024
569
Reduced orthodontic tooth movement in Ank knockout mice
Marta Rizk1, Emily Yin Chu2, Rogerio Bastos Craveiro1
1Department of Orthodontics, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen 52074, Germany.
JBMR Plus
|May 20, 2025
Summary
Mice lacking progressive ankylosis protein (Ank) showed reduced orthodontic tooth movement and increased root resorption. Ank deficiency impacts mineralization and bone remodeling during tooth movement.
Area of Science:
- Biomineralization
- Orthodontics
- Periodontal Biology
Background:
- Progressive ankylosis protein (Ank) deficiency is linked to hypercementosis due to reduced inorganic pyrophosphate.
- The effect of Ank deficiency on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and periodontal ligament (PDL) maintenance is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of Ank protein in OTM, PDL maintenance, alveolar bone remodeling, and tooth root resorption.
- To elucidate the impact of Ank deficiency on the periodontium under orthodontic forces.
Main Methods:
- A split-mouth orthodontic tooth movement model was used in Ank knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice.
- Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histologic analyses were performed.
- Quantitative PCR arrays assessed gene expression in PDL tissues.
Main Results:
- Ank KO mice exhibited a 36.6% reduction in OTM compared to WT mice.
- Alveolar bone tissue mineral density (TMD) was maintained in Ank KO mice, unlike in WT mice.
- Increased OTM-induced root resorption was observed in Ank KO mice, particularly in the cementum.
Conclusions:
- Ank plays a crucial role in regulating mineralization within the periodontium.
- Ank deficiency influences alveolar bone remodeling and increases susceptibility to root resorption during OTM.
- Further understanding of Ank's role is vital for orthodontic treatment and periodontal health.
