Understanding oral health issues in individuals with Down syndrome
Official title: Molecular mechanisms of oral deficiencies in Down syndrome
Funded at New York University · NIH-10658410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene related to Down syndrome might affect saliva and tooth enamel, which can lead to oral health issues, and it's being done to help improve dental care for people with Down syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,513,264 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DE032846-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10658410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Down syndrome who experience oral health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Down syndrome or those who do not have oral health problems related to their condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind oral health problems in individuals with Down syndrome, focusing on issues like poor saliva production and enamel defects. The study aims to explore how a specific gene on chromosome 21, known as RCAN1, affects the formation of salivary glands and tooth enamel. By using a mouse model of Down syndrome, researchers will analyze how these factors contribute to the oral anomalies observed in patients. The findings could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for oral health challenges faced by those with Down syndrome.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve oral health outcomes and quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific molecular mechanisms in Down syndrome are not extensively studied, similar research approaches have shown promise in understanding genetic influences on oral health.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lacruz, Rodrigo S. — New York University
- Study coordinator: Lacruz, Rodrigo S.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Exploring how Down syndrome affects optic nerve health in kids
A study using a mouse model to understand why optic nerve problems are common in children with Down syndrome and how to prevent them.
-
Executive Function Enhancement for Young Children with Down Syndrome
A caregiver-guided program for kids with Down syndrome aged up to 11 to strengthen their thinking skills during early childhood.
-
Silencing an Extra Chromosome to Help Down Syndrome and Related Conditions
A patient-friendly plan to use a gene-based approach to quiet an extra chromosome in cells and a mouse model to reduce disease-related effects in Down syndrome and other chromosomal imbalance disorders.
-
Infant Down Syndrome Brain and Behavior Study
A study of infants with Down syndrome to collect brain imaging and developmental data, creating a large, shared resource to understand how autism and other factors relate to development.
-
DS-ARC: Smartphone-based cognitive check for people with Down syndrome at risk for Alzheimer’s
A smartphone-based cognitive test is being developed and tested for people with Down syndrome who may develop Alzheimer’s disease, to track changes quietly in daily life.
-
Immune and NGF factors in Alzheimer’s for adults with Down syndrome
This grant studies why people with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer’s disease by looking at immune signals and nerve growth factor problems.
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.