Role of nBMP2 in macrophages to improve gum and bone healing
Official title: The Role of nBMP2 in Macrophage Oral Immunomodulation
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11532999 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A scientist-led project at a university will study how a protein variant in immune cells affects healing of the gums and jawbone, with the aim of improving regeneration in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $310,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R56DE035564-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11532999 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with periodontal disease or bone loss who could participate in future translational studies or sampling efforts related to macrophage biology and regeneration.
✕Less likely to help
People without periodontal disease or bone repair needs may not directly benefit from this basic research.
What this research studies
This project explores how macrophages, a type of immune cell, use nuclear BMP2 to support tissue regeneration in the mouth. Researchers will look at how nBMP2 and BMP2 influence an M2 (healing) state in macrophages and how this affects STAT6 signaling during bone and periodontal repair. The work combines lab experiments on human-relevant cells with predictive modeling and immunoprecipitation data to understand the pathway. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could lead to better strategies for periodontal regeneration and bone healing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could inform new approaches to enhance gum and jawbone healing in adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown macrophage polarization influences regeneration, but this project investigates a specific BMP2-related mechanism that is less explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Huizhi — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Wang, Huizhi
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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.