Orthodontic treatment typically takes years, but a breakthrough discovery could significantly shorten this period. Researchers have found that ATF6, a protein activated in macrophages in corticotomy, accelerates tooth movement by promoting inflammation and boosting the production of TNFα, a key factor in bone remodeling. This discovery paves the way for faster, more effective orthodontic procedures that minimize treatment time and reduce patient discomfort. This study highlights the potential of non-invasive therapies that are expected to reshape the future of orthodontic treatment.
Corticotomy is a surgical procedure designed to accelerate tooth movement, which induces bone remodeling through a phenomenon called regional acceleration phenomenon (RAP). While this technique is effective, the molecular mechanisms behind RAP are not fully understood.
Macrophages, key players in immune responses and bone remodeling, have been identified as key players in this process. However, the exact role of molecules like ATF6 that control cellular stress responses remains unclear. Based on these knowledge gaps, more targeted studies are clearly needed to understand how ATF6 affects bone remodeling in corticotomy.
The study (DOI: 10.1038/s41368-025-00359-7) was led by Jin Zhichun, Xu Hao, Zhao Weiye and their team from the Department of Orthodontics at Nanjing Medical University and published in the International Journal of Oral Science on April 1, 2025. The study highlights the important role of macrophage ATF6 in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement during corticotomy.
The researchers found that activation of ATF6 in macrophages increases the production of TNFα, a key cytokine for bone resorption. This process accelerates bone remodeling and promotes faster tooth movement. The study suggests that ATF6 may be a potential target for future non-invasive orthodontic treatments, providing a path for more effective orthodontic care.
The study used an advanced mouse model to explore the relationship between macrophage ATF6 and orthodontic tooth movement. The researchers found that corticotomy-induced macrophage ATF6 activation triggered a proinflammatory response that significantly accelerated tooth movement. The presence of proinflammatory macrophages in periodontal tissues indicates enhanced bone remodeling.
When ATF6 in macrophages was genetically knocked out, the acceleration of tooth movement was reduced. Conversely, overexpression of ATF6 exacerbated the process. Further analysis showed that ATF6 directly interacted with the Tnfα promoter, thereby enhancing the transcription of this key cytokine. This discovery opens up new avenues for targeted therapies that are expected to improve the speed and effectiveness of orthodontic surgery.
“Macrophage ATF6 has been shown to be a key regulator of orthodontic bone remodeling,” said Professor Bin Yan, the study’s lead researcher. “Not only does this protein accelerate tooth movement by affecting inflammation, it also provides us with a new therapeutic target that is expected to revolutionize orthodontic treatment, making it faster and less invasive.”
This research is promising for the future of orthodontics. By targeting the ATF6-TNFα pathway, new therapies could be developed to accelerate tooth movement without surgery. These advances could make orthodontic surgery faster, less painful, and more accessible. Beyond orthodontics, this research has broader applications in bone healing and the treatment of osteoporotic diseases. With further research, these findings are expected to promote the development of non-invasive and more effective treatments for bone-related diseases, ultimately changing patient care in multiple areas.
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