Czech scientists “program” stem cells to produce dental tissue

Researchers at Masaryk University’s Faculty of Medicine have discovered a way to prompt stem cells to form dental tissue. Led by Jan Křivánek, the team used lentiviruses—retroviruses capable of permanently inserting their DNA into host cells—to introduce genetic information directly into the cells’ genome. Once “infected,” the stem cells began behaving like those producing dentin, creating collagen and calcium deposits, key components of tooth structure. The breakthrough could pave the way for new approaches in regenerative dentistry, and the method may also be applied to generate other cell types for medical use.