How phosphate shapes tooth enamel
Phosphate and Enamel Formation
This project looks at how cells move phosphate and calcium to build strong tooth enamel, aiming to improve understanding that could help prevent enamel problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11319872 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use genetically modified mouse models and lab cell techniques to follow how phosphate (PO4) and calcium move into, within, and out of enamel-forming cells called ameloblasts. They will study the protein channels that import and export phosphate—such as PiT1, NaPi2b, and Xpr1—during the secretory and maturation stages when enamel is laid down and then rapidly mineralized. The team will measure mineral content, crystal formation, and enamel hardness to link molecular transport processes to final enamel structure. The work aims to identify genetic and cellular steps that control enamel biomineralization and could point to targets for preventing or treating enamel defects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant supports lab-based mouse and cell research and does not recruit people for participation.
Not a fit: People with existing enamel damage or cavities will not receive direct treatment or intervention from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat enamel defects and reduce tooth decay by targeting phosphate transport pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have identified some phosphate transport proteins in enamel cells, but the explicit focus on active transcellular and intracellular phosphate movements during enamel formation is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paine, Michael Lansdell — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Paine, Michael Lansdell
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.