Understanding how specific proteins affect tooth enamel development
Official title: Investigating Interactions Between Phosphorylated Amelogenin and Acid Phosphatase 4 Expression
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10899185 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins help form strong dental enamel, which is important for people with conditions like amelogenesis imperfecta that cause weak enamel, and it hopes to find new ways to improve dental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $54,774 |
| NIH project number | 1F31DE033886-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10899185 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with amelogenesis imperfecta or other enamel hypoplasia conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without enamel-related conditions or those with fully developed and healthy enamel may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of phosphorylated amelogenin and its interaction with acid phosphatase 4 in the development of dental enamel. By using advanced techniques like single cell RNA sequencing and protein analysis, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind enamel formation and the impact of pH levels on these processes. Patients with conditions like amelogenesis imperfecta, which leads to weakened enamel, may benefit from insights gained through this research. The findings could help in developing targeted therapies for enamel-related dental issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from enamel defects, improving dental health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding enamel formation through similar protein interaction studies, indicating a potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vasquez, Brent Preston — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Vasquez, Brent Preston
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Elastomeric membranes for safer pelvic organ prolapse repair
A new 3D-printed elastomeric membrane made from polycarbonate urethane is being tested to replace stiff polypropylene meshes for pelvic organ prolapse in women, aiming to reduce complications.
-
Role of hyaluronan in egg development and ovarian reserve
This grant studies how the hyaluronan matrix in the ovary affects the aging of the female reproductive system and the pool of eggs available.
-
Regulatory switches that control imprinting in early human development
This grant studies how certain genes stay “one-copy” active in early development and what goes wrong in assisted reproduction, with a focus on imprinting disorders.
-
Identifying molecular signs of imprinting errors linked to fertility treatments
This grant studies how assisted reproductive technologies may cause imprinting errors in embryos and how these errors relate to certain birth conditions, with implications for families using infertility treatments.
-
Bioadhesive vaginal film for 7-day protection against HIV, HSV, and pregnancy
A vaginal film that slowly releases antibodies to prevent HIV, HSV, and unintended pregnancy for about a week from a single use.
-
Spermatogonial stem cell transplantation and culture in patients
Researchers are testing a way to transplant or grow sperm-producing cells back in boys and men who stored tissue before cancer treatment, to help them have biological children in the future.
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.