Promising Research
It is convenient to view the development of teeth as an entire process and then to move onto the creation of enamel. There is a predetermined series of biological events that require many different genes and proteins to form teeth. If any of these choreographed steps are not completed in the proper order, then genetic conditions or abnormalities will occur.
It may be helpful to think of the process of tooth development or genesis as similar to the step by step set of instructions that go into a computer program. If any are missing or faulty, the program doesn't function correctly. There are many proteins that are encoded via genes for the whole program of tooth development to function correctly. There are some nineteen individual genes that may contain a mutation that results in AI. In addition, there is a similar genetic disorder called Dentinogenesis Imperfecta in which the dentin layer is affected. Obviously, overcoming these genetic abnormalities is very complicated.
There are several avenues of research that offer hope.
The following links provide a more detailed overview regarding what is known about Amelogenesis Imperfecta and potential therapies.
Overview: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/amelogenesis-imperfecta
From the NORD (National Organization of Rare Diseases) database a high-level overview of the basic facts of Amelogenesis Imperfecta that includes particular types and affected genes.
Enamel Regeneration Research:
Enamel Regeneration - Current Progress and Challenges
Enamel, the hardest tissue in the human body, cannot regenerate once damaged. Current treatments use synthetic materials that don't fully replicate natural enamel. The paper discusses new strategies, including biomimetic synthesis and cell-based approaches, driven by advances in material science, understanding of enamel protein interactions, and stem cell research. These developments aim to create biologically based solutions for enamel regeneration.
Hu, S., & Smith, C. E. (2014). Enamel regeneration - Current progress and challenges. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4226000/
Single-cell census of human tooth development enables generation of human enamel
Researchers have identified key signaling pathways between support cells and ameloblasts during fetal development and replicated these findings in vitro using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to differentiate into human ameloblasts. Additionally, they developed a disease model of amelogenesis imperfecta in a three-dimensional (3D) organoid system, demonstrating ameloblast maturation to a mineralized structure in vivo. These findings lay the groundwork for future advancements in regenerative dentistry.
Alghadeer, A., Hanson-Drury, S., Patni, A. P., Ehnes, D. D., Zhao, Y. T., Li, Z., ... Ruohola-Baker, H. (2023). Single-cell census of human tooth development enables generation of human enamel. Developmental Cell, 58(20), 2163-2180.e9. DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2023.07.013
Clinical Trials at National Library of Medicine:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/search?cond=Amelogenesis%20Imperfecta