# The novel functions of matrix metalloproteinase 13 supporting dentin-pulp reparative processes

> **NIH NIH R56** · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · 2024 · $400,000

## Abstract

PROPOSAL SUMMARY
There is an increasing need to develop novel strategies within vital pulp treatment (VPT) to
address limitations in existing therapies and to help overcome tooth injury due to caries,
restorative procedures or trauma. Currently, there remain significant gaps in our knowledge
regarding the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate tertiary dentinogenesis and wound
healing of pulp tissues after injury. This knowledge plays a critical role in preserving pulp tissues
after damage caused by caries and traumatic injury. Our long-term goal is to design new
biologically-based strategies aimed at modulating pulpal inflammation in cases of advanced
pulpitis, as well as to create novel regenerative techniques to therapeutically target biological
processes to stimulate repair of dental pulp. The objective for this application is to elucidate how
MMP13 specifically regulates the dental pulp’s reparative processes as well as the immunological
response in acute pulpitis. The overarching hypothesis is that MMP13 stimulates tertiary dentin
formation and regulates progression of the pulpal inflammatory response in the damaged dentin-
pulp complex. Guided by strong published and preliminary data, this hypothesis will be tested by
pursuing the following three specific aims: Aim 1: Determine the influence of MMP13 on
reactionary and reparative tertiary dentin formation, Aim 2: To determine the molecular and
cellular mechanism by which MMP13 regulates the immunological response in pulpitis, and Aim
3: Translate MMP13’s role in tertiary dentin formation and pulpitis to human tissues. Conditional
(odontoblast or myeloid cells specific) MMP13 knockout mice will be used to achieve the first two
aims and the third aim will employ ex vivo human tissue models. Importantly, initial
characterization of our models indicates that MMP13 involved in tertiary dentin formation as well
as inflammatory response after tooth injury in vivo. Translationally, our data will lead to the
identification and understanding of important mediators, so that novel targeted therapeutic
solutions can be designed within Cariology and Regenerative Endodontics. This will lessen the
burden of existing therapies aimed to treat damaged pulp affected by caries and traumatic injury.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11058693
- **Project number:** 1R56DE033709-01
- **Recipient organization:** RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Emi Shimizu
- **Activity code:** R56 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $400,000
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-06-05 → 2026-06-04

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11058693

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11058693, The novel functions of matrix metalloproteinase 13 supporting dentin-pulp reparative processes (1R56DE033709-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11058693. Licensed CC0.

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