Guiding tooth-root stem cells to make nerves and blood vessels
Regulation of dental pulp stem cell fate
['FUNDING_R37'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-11307073
This work looks at how stem cells from inside teeth can be guided to form blood vessels and nerve cells to improve tissue repair.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11307073 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, researchers are working with dental pulp stem cells (cells taken from inside teeth) to understand why some become nerve cells, some form blood vessels, and some stay as stem cells. They are testing how signals such as BDNF and N‑Cadherin change those cell decisions using laboratory cell experiments and tissue grafts, plus animal models to see how new vessels connect to the host circulation. The team will manipulate those signaling pathways to try to create stable neurovascular niches—areas with both nerves and blood supply—that support long-lasting tissue repair. Results are meant to help design future treatments that regenerate well‑vascularized, innervated tissue in the mouth or elsewhere.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with damaged dental pulp, tooth injuries requiring regeneration, or those who may consider future stem cell-based dental treatments would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients without dental pulp damage or those with medical conditions that prevent stem-cell therapies (for example, uncontrolled systemic illness or immune suppression) may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable dental and other tissue repairs that heal with functioning blood vessels and nerves, improving long-term outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work from this project showed dental pulp stem cells can form blood vessel cells and some develop neural characteristics, so this continues promising preclinical findings.
Where this research is happening
ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR — ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NOR, JACQUES EDUARDO — UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- Study coordinator: NOR, JACQUES EDUARDO
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 below.