USAG1 protein: An important drug target in teeth regeneration

Abstract

The BMP antagonist and Wnt signaling modulator, USAG-1 (uterine sensitization associated gene-1) is mostly expressed in the kidneys and suppresses BMP7 bioactivity, which is crucial for tooth development. The homodimeric 35-kDa protein known as bone morphogenetic protein-7 is essential for the specification and patterning of the early embryo and controls apoptosis in a variety of developmental events. A single-gene knockout (KO) mouse model for Usag-1, also known as Sclerostin domain containing 1 (SOSTDC1), ectodin, Wnt modulator in surface ectoderm (WISE), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (CEBPB), Sprouty homolog 2 (SPRY2), Sprouty homolog 3 (SPRY3), or Epiprofin (EPFN), has demonstrated that Usag1 inhibition is important for teeth regeneration in mice. Anti Usag1 method was done by other scientists outside India. Tideglusib when placed at damaged teeth, it increases WNT signaling by inhibiting GSK-3.It results into teeth repair .Suginami et al proposed USAG-1 as a promising drug target for teeth regeneration .They proposed anti-USAG-1 approach to induce teeth regeneration but it has been associated with many sideaffects. This study aims to provide a natural lead molecule as a therapeutic drug for teeth regeneration.