Understanding how phosphate affects the formation of dental enamel
Official title: Phosphate and Enamel Formation
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11022720 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 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 | April 10, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $690,340 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE034447-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022720 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions affecting dental enamel, such as enamel hypoplasia or other enamel-related disorders.
✕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 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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paine, Michael Lansdell — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Paine, Michael Lansdell
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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.