Understanding how phosphate affects the formation of dental enamel

Phosphate and Enamel Formation

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-11022720

This study is looking at how phosphate helps make strong tooth enamel, which is important for keeping your teeth healthy, by examining how it moves in cells during the stages of enamel development, and it could lead to better treatments for dental problems related to enamel.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11022720 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of phosphate in the formation of dental enamel, which is crucial for tooth health. The study focuses on how phosphate moves within cells during the two key stages of enamel development: the secretory stage and the maturation stage. Using specialized mouse models, researchers will explore the mechanisms of phosphate transport and its impact on enamel mineralization, aiming to uncover genetic controls involved in this process. This could lead to new insights into enamel formation and potential treatments for enamel-related dental issues.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting dental enamel, such as enamel hypoplasia or other enamel-related disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with fully developed and healthy enamel may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve our understanding of enamel formation and lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for dental enamel damage.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms of phosphate transport in enamel formation are not extensively studied, related research has shown promise in understanding biomineralization processes.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.