Using nanomaterials to regenerate periodontal tissues damaged by disease
Official title: Periodontal Regeneration with Supramolecular Nanomaterials
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11138539 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how special materials and proteins can help heal gum tissues damaged by chronic gum disease, aiming to encourage the growth of new bone cells for better dental health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $456,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE034150-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11138539 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from periodontal disease who have experienced damage to their periodontal tissues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with healthy periodontal tissues or those who do not have periodontal disease may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how supramolecular nanomaterials can help regenerate periodontal tissues affected by chronic periodontal disease. It focuses on understanding how specific peptides, particularly the Leucine-rich Amelogenin Peptide (LRAP), can stimulate the differentiation of periodontal ligament cells into bone-forming cells. By leveraging the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the study aims to enhance tissue regeneration in patients with periodontal damage. The approach combines advanced biomaterials with biological signaling to promote healing and restoration of dental structures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for periodontal disease, potentially restoring lost dental structures and improving oral health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with similar approaches using bioactive molecules for tissue regeneration, indicating a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Yan — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Yan
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.