# Endoplasmic Chaperone GRP78 Interacts with DMP1 to Function in Biomineralization

> **NIH NIH F30** · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · 2021 · $51,642

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY:
Glucose regulated protein-78 (GRP78) is a dynamic endoplasmic reticulum chaperone of the heat shock family
that is involved in the unfolded protein and cellular stress response. GRP78 and other GRPs are known to bind
Ca2+ in the ER to modulate the levels of calcium in the cell and respond to ER stress. We have demonstrated
earlier that GRP78 is expressed by osteoblasts and odontoblasts and localized in the mineralized matrices of
bone and dentin. Interestingly, GRP78 functions as a receptor for dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), a key protein
involved in matrix mineralization. In this proposal, we will explore the synergistic function of GRP78 and DMP1
during mineralization. Previous studies demonstrate that upon stress, GRP78 can translocate from the ER to
the cell surface. Additionally, our lab showed that GRP78 is a receptor for DMP1. We aim to understand how
GRP78 interacts with DMP1 to promote osteogenic differentiation and matrix mineralization in periodontal
ligament stem cells; moreover, we will determine the mechanism of GRP78-DMP1 complex internalization and
subsequent translocation intracellularly to aid in cell differentiation through in vitro cell culture work. Through an
in vivo mouse model, we will determine the functional significance of GRP78 in mineralization with periodontal
ligament stem cells. Overall, our overarching goal will be to determine GRP78’s functional significance in
mineralization to ultimately provide a novel way to achieve bone regeneration in the periodontium.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10150464
- **Project number:** 5F30DE027601-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Annette C Merkel
- **Activity code:** F30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $51,642
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-07-01 → 2022-05-16

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10150464

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10150464, Endoplasmic Chaperone GRP78 Interacts with DMP1 to Function in Biomineralization (5F30DE027601-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10150464. Licensed CC0.

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