Understanding how teeth develop at a molecular level
Official title: Molecular mechanisms controlling tooth development
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11170483 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how our genes and cells work together to help teeth grow, especially for people who have missing teeth or teeth that don't form properly, with the goal of finding better ways to create healthy tooth tissues for future treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $379,925 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE033520-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170483 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals affected by genetic dental conditions or those suffering from dental diseases such as caries and fractures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy teeth and no history of dental diseases are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic and molecular mechanisms that control tooth development, focusing on conditions like tooth agenesis and dentinogenesis imperfecta. By exploring the pathways that influence cell differentiation and regeneration, the study aims to identify how to effectively generate functional tooth tissues. The approach includes analyzing the molecular signatures of stem cells and their potential to differentiate into specific cell types necessary for tooth formation. This could lead to improved strategies for treating dental diseases and injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments for dental diseases and improved regenerative therapies for tooth restoration.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding tooth development and regeneration, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in dental treatments.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bei, Marianna — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Bei, Marianna
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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.