Mineralized Tissue Physiology Program
Overview
Through its Mineralized Tissue Physiology Program, the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research supports basic and translational science research on craniofacial skeletal biology, including tooth biology, and promotes multidisciplinary approaches to advance the understanding of normal and abnormal processes underlying oral, dental, and craniofacial diseases and disorders from the molecular to the organismal level. The Mineralized Tissue Physiology Program supports development of resources and tools to further advance knowledge and capabilities for study in mineralized tissues, as well as the following areas:
- Biochemistry, biophysics, and physiochemistry of the regulation of mineralization in enamel, dentin, cementum, bone, and cartilage
- Onset and progression of demineralization and/or remineralization, especially in chronic diseases including caries
- Role of unique cell types and microenvironments localized to the craniofacial skeleton, including the temporomandibular joint
- Orthodontic tooth movement, root resorption, and osseointegration
- Osteonecrosis of the jaw, its onset, and pharmacogenetic basis of heterogeneous responses to medications and stimuli
- Non-invasive and non-destructive modalities to assess mineralized tissues
- Biomarkers in dental and craniofacial mineralized tissues reflective of health or environmental exposure, and molecular basis of their action
Related Resources
Staff Contact
Acting Branch Chief
Integrative Biology & Infectious Diseases Branch
Program Officer
Mineralized Tissue Physiology Program