Understanding how dental pulp stem cells can help regenerate tooth structure
Official title: Regulation of Dental Pulp Stem Cell Polarization for Tubular Dentin Regeneration
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-10903890 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how special stem cells from your teeth can be encouraged to grow new tooth material, which could help improve treatments for tooth decay and injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | January 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $417,340 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032540-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10903890 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with dental pulp damage or decay, particularly those under 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed teeth that are not experiencing pulp damage or decay may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) can be guided to regenerate tubular dentin, a crucial component of tooth structure. Using a specialized 3D platform, researchers will manipulate individual cells to study how different physical and chemical signals influence DPSC behavior. The goal is to identify the optimal conditions that promote the healing and regeneration of damaged dental tissues, potentially leading to improved treatments for dental decay and injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that restore damaged teeth and improve dental health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using stem cell strategies for tissue regeneration, making this approach a continuation of successful methodologies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Xiaohua — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Liu, Xiaohua
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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.