# Analysis of GFP Transgenes in Odontoblast in Differentiation

> **NIH NIH R56** · UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT · 2021 · $369,000

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
Reparative dentinogenesis occurs after intense injury that leads to odontoblast death (i.e., deep caries or pulp
exposure). During this process, signaling factors sequestered in the dentin matrix and pulp-supportive tissue
are released and activate the recruitment, migration of resident Mesenchymal Stem cells (MSCs) in dental pulp
to the site of injury. At the site of injury, these MSCs differentiate and give rise to cells secreting reparative
dentin, also called osteodentin. Reparative dentin is a thin band of poorly organized mineralized tissue
containing a mixture of non-columnar odontoblast-like and osteoblast-like cells. Although the reparative
dentin/osteo-dentin provides an impermeable hard-tissue barrier to the dental pulp, its histological and
molecular characteristic is very different from physiological dentin and cannot be considered a true
regeneration of tubular dentin devoid of osteoblasts. The overall goal of proposed studies is to test the
hypothesis that signaling pathways induced by trauma/inflammation to the pulp during pulp exposures results
in abnormal and sustained activation of Runx2 in dental pulp. The sustained activation of Runx2 leads to
impaired odontoblasts differentiation and accumulation of osteoblasts at the site of injury and together
contribute to the formation of atubular and poorly organized mineralized reparative dentin. To address this
sequence, we will use examine the effects of conditional modulation of levels of Runx2 (loss of function and
gain of functions) on the late stages of odontoblast and osteoblasts differentiation. Three specific aims have
been proposed. Experiments in Aim #1 and Aim 2 will examine the effects of conditional modulation of levels of
Runx2 (loss of function and gain of functions) in odontoblasts and osteoblasts on the late stages of odontoblast
(Aim 1) and osteoblast (Aim 2) differentiation during reparative dentinogenesis in vivo and during
mineralization of primary pulp cultures. Experiments in Aim #3 will examine the effects of impaired odontoblast
differentiation and accumulation of osteoblasts during reparative dentinogenesis the organization of collagen
fibers and tubular vs. atubular dentin. Ultimately, the results of this study will provide a better understanding of
mechanisms leading to reparative dentinogenesis and will be critical for the development of improved
treatments for vital pulp therapy and improved dentin regeneration.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10453476
- **Project number:** 2R56DE016689-10
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT
- **Principal Investigator:** Mina Mina
- **Activity code:** R56 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $369,000
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2006-07-01 → 2023-08-05

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10453476

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10453476, Analysis of GFP Transgenes in Odontoblast in Differentiation (2R56DE016689-10). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10453476. Licensed CC0.

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