Genetic Mechanisms of Dental Anomalies: Implications for Regenerative Therapies in Oral Health

The field of dental genetics is increasingly recognizing the foundational role that genetic mechanisms play in the development and integrity of dental tissues. Inherited mutations as well as disruptions in key developmental genes such as MSX1, PAX9, WNT10A, and DSPP have been closely linked to a broad spectrum of dental anomalies, including defects in tooth number, morphology, and mineralization. Recent years have witnessed growing interest in dissecting the underlying molecular events governing tooth formation and maintenance, leading to advances in our understanding of how genes and signaling pathways direct dental tissue differentiation and respond to environmental cues. Despite these developments, significant challenges remain in linking precise genetic alterations to specific dental phenotypes and in fully elucidating how these pathways can be modulated for therapeutic benefit. There is a pressing need to synthesize genetic, molecular, and biomedical research to enable breakthroughs in dental reconstruction and regeneration.

This Research Topic aims to clarify and innovate within the interface between genetic mechanisms of dental anomalies and regenerative therapies in oral health. Contributors are encouraged to investigate how a detailed understanding of genetic regulation and signaling networks can be translated into more effective, targeted, and personalized regenerative dental strategies. The overarching objective is to bridge basic science findings with clinical applications, by exploring not only the molecular etiology of dental diseases but also advanced interventions that leverage genomics, stem cell biology, and gene-based technologies for tissue repair and functional restoration.

This Research Topic has a focused scope on genetic and molecular determinants of dental anomalies and their application in regenerative dentistry. It does not encompass non-genetic causes of dental defects or unrelated oral health issues. To gather further insights in these boundaries, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Genetic and molecular mechanisms driving dental tissue development and anomalies
• Signaling pathway (e.g., Wnt, BMP, FGF, SHH, Notch) contributions to dental regeneration
• Regulation of dental stem cell proliferation and differentiation by genetic factors
• Gene-based and molecular approaches for regenerative dental therapies
• Integrative perspectives combining genomics, stem cell biology, and tissue engineering for clinical translation

Keywords: Dental anomalies, genetic mechanisms, regenerative therapies, stem cell biology, signaling pathways, tissue engineering

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.