# Redox and Ca2+ signaling regulation of enamel mineralization

> **NIH NIH R01** · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $356,037

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
Tooth enamel is formed by ameloblasts in two main stages, secretory and maturation, with cells of each
stage being functionally distinct. The volume (thickness) of enamel is formed in the secretory stage and
then mineralized in the maturation stage by increased ion transport. Dysregulation of the processes
that define either stage leads to dental disease. Enamel formation has been studied most commonly
by analyzing the role of enamel matrix proteins and proteases. Methodological advances, some
developed in the PI's lab, and the ongoing integration of enamel biology with other disciplines, provide
a platform to address key aspects of the physiology and metabolism of enamel cells in enamel
mineralization and dental disease. This grant proposal will identify novel molecular pathways in enamel
formation by linking Ca2+ homeostasis with the redox environment and mitochondrial function. To do
this, we will use, among other systems, mouse models lacking Ca2+ influx and mice lacking
mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake. The role/s of mitochondria and redox in signaling and metabolism during
enamel formation are presently unknown.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10162310
- **Project number:** 5R01DE027679-04
- **Recipient organization:** NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Rodrigo S. Lacruz
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $356,037
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-15 → 2023-03-09

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10162310

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10162310, Redox and Ca2+ signaling regulation of enamel mineralization (5R01DE027679-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10162310. Licensed CC0.

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