How enamel-forming cells control the main proteins that build tooth enamel
The stage-specific regulation of ameloblastin and enamelin by the distinct nuclear factors
Researchers are working to understand how enamel-making cells turn on and off two key enamel proteins so people with enamel problems like amelogenesis imperfecta might benefit in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178614 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project follows the cells that make tooth enamel (ameloblasts) through their stages to see how they control the main enamel proteins ameloblastin and enamelin. The team maps gene activity and chromatin accessibility (using methods such as ATAC-seq and chromatin profiling) across developmental stages and species. They test the roles of specific regulators (SATB1, the peptidase KLK4, and the calcium transporter NCKX4) using organ culture and genetic models to see how changing these factors affects enamel protein production. Findings aim to reveal the steps needed to guide or recreate enamel formation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with inherited enamel disorders (such as amelogenesis imperfecta) or individuals willing to donate tooth or oral tissue samples for research.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate clinical dental treatments for cavities or gum disease are unlikely to get direct benefits from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point toward ways to regenerate enamel or create new treatments for inherited enamel defects like amelogenesis imperfecta.
How similar studies have performed: Prior basic research has identified key enamel proteins and some regulators, but translating those findings into enamel regeneration remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yan — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yan
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.