Understanding how ENPP1 affects bone and tooth formation
ENPP1 Roles and ATP Metabolism in Cementogenesis
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme called ENPP1 affects the health of your bones and teeth, especially how it helps form a key part of your teeth called cementum, which is important for dental health, and it aims to find new ways to help people with dental and bone issues caused by ENPP1 mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11139168 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the ENPP1 enzyme in regulating mineralization processes critical for bone and tooth health. By focusing on how ENPP1 modulates the levels of ATP and pyrophosphate, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that could promote the formation of cementum, a vital component of dental structure. The research will explore the implications of ENPP1 mutations, which can lead to dental and skeletal abnormalities, particularly in conditions like Generalized Arterial Calcification of Infancy. Through laboratory assays and biological modeling, the project seeks to identify potential therapeutic strategies for improving dental health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with mutations in the ENPP1 gene or those experiencing dental and skeletal abnormalities related to mineralization.
Not a fit: Patients without any dental or skeletal abnormalities or those not affected by ENPP1-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance tooth and bone formation, potentially benefiting individuals with dental abnormalities.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific modulation of ENPP1 for cementogenesis is a novel approach, related research has shown success in understanding the role of pyrophosphate in mineralization processes.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chu, Emily Yin — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Chu, Emily Yin
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 below.