Exome array identifies functional exonic biomarkers for pediatric dental caries

Background: Pediatric dental caries is common among Arab children, however we are still searching for possible genes and molecular mechanisms that influence caries development. Aim: To identity genetic predispositions of dental caries among Saudi children with high DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth). Design: This case-control study analysed putative functional exonic-variants (n = 243,345) to study the molecular genetics of pediatric caries with high dmft index, 8.75 ± 4.16 on Arab-ancestry subjects with primary dentition (n = 111; 76 cases, dmft>5 and 35 controls, dmft = 0). Results: Pediatric caries is significantly associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the GRIN2B-rs4764039C (p-value = 2.03 × 10⁻⁰⁸) and CFH-rs1065489G (p-value = 8.26 × 10⁻⁰⁸) genes, even after Bonferroni correction. Irregular tooth brushing habits (p = 0.0404) and irregular dental visits (p = 0.0050) are significantly associated with caries. Functional enrichment analysis of significant genes is associated with calcium-activated chloride channel, Staphylococcus aureus infection, and N-linked glycosylation. Conclusion: Genetic predispositions are found to be significantly associated with the high prevalence of pediatric caries, which is a disorder of multigene-environment interaction. The significant functional exonic variants identified can be biomarkers for the early diagnosis of pediatric dental caries in Arabs.