How a specific gene helps heal oral tissues.
Official title: Irx1 regulation of oral tissue repair and maintenance.
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11302947 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene called Irx1 helps the mouth heal quickly and without scars after injuries, which could lead to better treatments for oral health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | May 8, 2025 |
| Project end | May 7, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $480,840 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE033716-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11302947 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults experiencing oral diseases, chronic wounds, or those requiring oral tissue repair.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-oral related health issues or those who do not have any oral tissue damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the Irx1 gene in the healing process of oral tissues, particularly focusing on how it affects the regeneration of the gingival epithelium. By using a mouse model of gingival injury, the study aims to understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms that facilitate rapid and scarless wound healing in the oral cavity. The researchers will analyze how Irx1 influences the behavior of basal cells during the healing process, which could lead to new insights into treating oral diseases and injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for oral diseases and injuries, enhancing the quality of life for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of specific genes in tissue repair, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Amendt, Brad a — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Amendt, Brad a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Healthier Workplace Center for the Midwest
A multi-site NIH grant aims to improve the health and well-being of workers by coordinating research and sharing evidence-based strategies.
-
Serotonin pathways and how they help recovery after seizures
A researcher is studying how serotonin-related brain circuits influence waking up after seizures, using mouse models to understand why some people with epilepsy have dangerous breathing pauses after seizures.
-
Serotonin brain circuit clues to safer sleep after seizures
Aims to understand how brain serotonin systems and CO2-triggered arousal affect recovery after seizures in mouse models to reduce SUDEP risk.
-
Improved ICU Mobility Care through a Smart Guideline in the EHR
A hospital study will test a smart tool in the electronic health record to help ICU teams identify when to start patient-friendly mobility activities and coordinate a plan tailored to each patient.
-
Ultrasound biomarkers to diagnose and predict treatment response for plantar heel pain
A study will test advanced ultrasound imaging to find biomarkers that help diagnose plantar heel pain and predict who will respond to targeted treatments.
-
Pain and aging: how nerve cells become more sensitive with age
This project looks at why older adults often have chronic pain by studying how nerve cells in aging animals become more sensitive and how inflammation might drive this change.
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.