Redox and calcium signaling in enamel mineralization
Official title: Redox and Ca 2+ signaling regulation of enamel mineralization
Funded at New York University · NIH-11583766 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant supports studying how tiny energy factories in tooth cells affect enamel hardening, focusing on people with acquired dental fluorosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $23,933 |
| NIH project number | 3R01DE027679-08S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11583766 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+) with acquired dental fluorosis or mitochondrial-related enamel issues, including individuals with Down syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
People without enamel defects related to fluorosis or mitochondrial dysfunction may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how mitochondria in ameloblasts influence enamel formation during fluorosis and conditions like Down syndrome. Researchers will examine how redox state and calcium signaling interact with mineralization and how environmental fluoride exposure impacts these processes. The study will use human cells and relevant models to understand mitochondrial function and its connection to enamel defects. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could lead to better prevention or treatment of enamel problems in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to new ways to protect or restore enamel in people with fluorosis or mitochondrial-related enamel defects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests mitochondrial function impacts enamel development, but the specific links to fluorosis and Down syndrome are being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lacruz, Rodrigo S. — New York University
- Study coordinator: Lacruz, Rodrigo S.
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.