Role of DPP in Dental Pulp Stem Cells and their Regenerative Potential
Official title: The Role of DPP in Dental Pulp Stem Cells and its Potential in Tissue Regeneration
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11607777 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A project explores how a natural tooth protein helps dental pulp stem cells repair and regenerate the tooth’s inner tissue.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2019 |
| Project end | September 17, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,269,872 |
| NIH project number | 2R56DE028531-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11607777 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with dental conditions involving pulp exposure or early caries where regenerative approaches could be applicable in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without pulp exposure or those needing traditional endodontic procedures may not directly benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This study looks at dental pulp stem cells and a tooth-derived protein, dentin phosphophoryn (DPP), to understand how it triggers cellular signals that could guide regeneration of the pulp-dentin complex. Researchers will examine how DPP influences calcium release and autophagy in DPSCs, which may support the cells’ transformation into odontoblast-like cells. The goal is to identify molecular pathways that promote healing after decay or damage, potentially leading to new regenerative therapies. Results could inform future dental treatments that preserve natural tooth vitality and reduce the need for more invasive procedures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new regenerative approaches that preserve or restore healthy dental pulp tissue after injury.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary findings in DPSCs suggest that DPP can influence signaling and differentiation, indicating potential for similar regenerative strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: George, Anne — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: George, Anne
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.