What controls where and how teeth form
Identification of the factors underlying tooth field size and competency
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11308345
Researchers are finding which cells and genes tell tooth tissues where to start and how to grow, to help people who need replacement teeth.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11308345 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project maps the cells and genetic signals that start tooth fields and allow new teeth to form, using laboratory models such as zebrafish and engineered tissues. The team will identify which cell types can change into dental cells and determine the gene signatures linked to tooth field expansion or arrest. Methods include genetic manipulation, molecular profiling, and imaging to trace how tooth areas are initiated and expanded during development. The findings are meant to guide future efforts to create and successfully implant lab-grown teeth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with missing teeth or congenital absence of teeth would be the most likely future candidates for therapies based on this research.
Not a fit: People needing immediate dental repair or those under 21 are unlikely to receive direct or immediate benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point the way to making lab-grown replacement teeth or new regenerative dental treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior lab and animal work has produced tooth-like structures, but reliably creating functional human replacement teeth is still largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA — GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SQUARE, TYLER — UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: SQUARE, TYLER
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.
Conditions: Candidate Disease Gene