DSPP signaling and dentin formation in teeth
Official title: DSPP signaling in dentinogenesis
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-11506668 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring how specific signals control dentin formation to help repair and regenerate tooth tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | May 18, 2009 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $393,750 |
| NIH project number | 2R01DE019802-11 |
| Project ID | NIH-11506668 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with inherited dentin disorders (e.g., dentinogenesis imperfecta or dentin dysplasia) or related tooth development issues.
✕Less likely to help
People without dentin disorders or related dental conditions may not directly benefit from this basic science research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how signals inside tooth cells guide the formation of dentin, the hard part beneath tooth enamel. Scientists focus on the DSPP protein and related pathways to understand how dentin development is controlled and how it might be repaired. The work uses genetic and molecular approaches to map how DSPP, ENG, AKT1, and integrin pathways interact during dentinogenesis and blood vessel formation. By uncovering these mechanisms, the research aims to lay the groundwork for bio-tooth regeneration therapies that could benefit people with inherited dentin disorders. The study is conducted at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio under the supervision of Dr. Shuo Chen.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with dentin disorders could benefit from new approaches to regenerate dentin and improve tooth durability.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that signaling pathways govern dentin formation, suggesting potential for regeneration strategies, though this project explores novel pathway interactions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Shuo — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Chen, Shuo
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.