Understanding how enamel proteins help form teeth
Official title: MATRIX BASED MINERAL ENAMEL-BIOMIMETICS
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11128551 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called ameloblastin to see how it helps make and strengthen tooth enamel, using mice to learn more about how it works, which could lead to better treatments for dental issues that affect enamel.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $520,752 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE013414-19 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128551 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research include individuals with enamel defects or those at risk for dental caries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fully developed and healthy enamel may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the enamel protein ameloblastin and its role in the formation and mineralization of tooth enamel. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing in mouse models, the study aims to uncover how different parts of ameloblastin contribute to enamel structure and function. The research focuses on the interactions between ameloblastin and enamel-forming cells, which could lead to new insights into dental health and disease. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of tooth development and potential treatments for enamel-related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for dental conditions related to enamel formation and mineralization.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding enamel biomineralization, making this approach a continuation of established scientific inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oldak, Janet — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Oldak, Janet
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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.