Exome array identifies functional exonic biomarkers for pediatric dental caries

Pediatric dental caries is common among Arab children, however we are still searching for possible genes and molecular mechanisms that influence caries development. To identity genetic predispositions of dental caries among Saudi children with high DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth). 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). 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. 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. •Possible genetic predispositions identified in Saudis with high caries can be considered as biomarker for early diagnosis.•The risk genes identified can be of future research on N-linked glycosylation and cariogenic pathogen infection process.•The study concludes that dental caries is a multigene-environmental disease.