Understanding tooth growth and loss using leopard geckos
The adult leopard gecko, an emerging, unconventional experimental model for dental research
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA · NIH-10953437
This study looks at how adult leopard geckos grow and lose their teeth, which might help us understand dental health in people, especially when it comes to how teeth come in and fall out.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (VANCOUVER, CANADA) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10953437 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates how adult leopard geckos generate and lose teeth, providing insights that could be relevant to human dental health. By studying the unique tooth eruption and resorption processes in geckos, researchers aim to uncover the biological mechanisms that drive these phenomena. The study employs innovative techniques from developmental biology and dental research to explore how teeth move into the mouth and how they are shed. This work could lead to a better understanding of dental issues in humans, particularly those related to tooth eruption and premature loss.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include adults experiencing dental issues related to tooth eruption or premature tooth loss.
Not a fit: Patients with dental conditions unrelated to tooth eruption or resorption may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for dental conditions related to tooth eruption and loss in humans.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of leopard geckos as a model for dental research is novel, similar studies in other animal models have shown promise in understanding tooth development and loss.
Where this research is happening
VANCOUVER, CANADA
- UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA — VANCOUVER, CANADA (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RICHMAN, JOY M. — UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
- Study coordinator: RICHMAN, JOY M.
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 below.