How tooth-supporting tissues heal and rebuild
Cellular and molecular control of periodontal tissue regeneration
Researchers are exploring how stem cells and molecular signals help rebuild the bone, ligament, and gum tissues that hold teeth in place in adults with periodontal damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322098 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at stem cells in the pocket around the tooth root and nearby gum tissue to identify which cells make bone, ligament, and gum. The team will map cell types and molecular signals such as CD34 and CXCL12 using human tissue samples and laboratory models to track how cells change during normal maintenance and after injury. They will also study how severe inflammation alters those stem cells and whether those changes can be reversed to improve healing. Findings may guide new approaches to encourage predictable regeneration of lost periodontal tissues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with periodontitis or other damage to the tissues supporting their teeth could be eligible to provide tissue samples or join future clinical efforts based on this research.
Not a fit: People without periodontal disease or those needing immediate tooth extraction or replacement are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that restore the tissues that hold teeth and reduce tooth loss from gum disease.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory and animal studies have shown promise for tissue regeneration, but reliable, predictable treatments in people remain limited and translation is still early.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Yingzi — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Yang, Yingzi
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.