How Retinoic Acid Shapes Teeth Development in Vertebrates and Why It Matters for People
Official title: Mechanisms responsible for tooth morphogenesis in vertebrates
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11493696 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how a vitamin A-related signal (retinoic acid) shapes how teeth form in fish to better understand common tooth problems in people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | February 7, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $367,206 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DE029803-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11493696 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable; this grant is a basic research project using fish models to inform human dental biology.
✕Less likely to help
Direct clinical benefits for patients are not guaranteed during this basic science phase.
What this research studies
This project uses fish models to uncover how retinoic acid signaling influences tooth formation and shape. By exposing developing teeth to retinoic acid or inhibitors, the team aims to map the signaling pathways that control tooth morphogenesis and to identify key genes involved. They also plan to create a fish model of a human bone/teeth condition (CCD) linked to Runx2 and explore how Runx2 interacts with RA signaling. Additionally, the work will screen for new genes involved in tooth development and test their roles using gene knock-outs in zebrafish. The knowledge gained could illuminate why teeth come in shapes like peg-like forms and how disruptions lead to dental disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal targets for preventing or correcting tooth malformations and improve understanding of human dental conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in fish models supports a role for RA signaling in tooth induction and morphogenesis, suggesting this approach has merit.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gibert, Yann — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Gibert, Yann
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.