Epigenetic alterations in aging tooth and the reprogramming potential

Abstract

Tooth compartments and associated supportive tissues exhibit significant alterations during aging, leading to their impaired functioning. Aging not only affects the structure and function of dental tissue but also reduces its capacity to maintain physiological homeostasis and the healing process. Decreased cementocyte viability; diminished regenerative potential of stem cells residing in the pulp, alveolar bone and periodontal ligament; and impaired osteogenic and odontogenic differentiation capacity of progenitor cells are among the cellular impacts associated with oral aging. Various physiological and pathological phenomena are regulated by the epigenome, and hence, changes in epigenetic markers due to external stimuli have been reported in aging oral tissues and are considered a possible molecular mechanism underlying dental aging. The role of nutri-epigenetics in aging has emerged as an attractive research area. Thus far, various nutrients and bioactive compounds have been identified to have a modulatory effect on the epigenetic machinery, showing a promising response in dental aging. The human microbiota is another key player in aging and can be a target for anti-aging interventions in dental tissue. Considering the reversible characteristics of epigenetic markers and the potential for environmental factors to manipulate the epigenome, to minimize the deteriorative effects of aging, it is important to evaluate the linkage between external stimuli and their effects in terms of age-related epigenetic modifications.

Keywords: Aging; DNA methylation; Epigenetics; Periodontium; Tooth.