Wednesday, February 18, 2026 2/18/2026

Amelogenesis and Ion Transport

Award Number: R01DE029445
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL AND CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 03/15/2021
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2025

Group Awards By:

View Award Description

Amelogenesis and Ion Transport - PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT During enamel formation (amelogenesis) the regulation of extracellular pH (pHe) is critical as shown by multiple mutant mice lines. Bicarbonate (HCO3-) export to the enamel matrix involves anion exchanger 2 (AE2) and members of the SLC26A gene family. AE2 is localized to the lateral membrane of maturation ameloblasts, while SLC26A1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 all localize to the apical/distal membrane of these same cells. In maturation ameloblasts SLC26A proteins colocalize with the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) and function together to allow for the export of HCO3- and the bidirectional movements of chloride ions (Cl-) as part of the pHe regulatory process. In other polarized epithelial cell types of a secretory nature, SLC26A proteins and CFTR form a network with cytoskeletal filamentous actin (F-actin) at the apical pole dictating, to a large part, cell polarity and microvilli projections. NHERF1/SLC9A3R1 and Ezrin proteins are also involved with this network interaction. The pH-sensitive sodium dependent phosphate transporter (SLC34A2/NaPi2b), an inorganic phosphate (Pi) import channel also localizes to the apical pole of maturation ameloblasts, which may suggest a direct link between pHe regulation and Pi transport activities during enamel mineralization events. Data suggests that miRNAs, targeting the mRNAs of specific ion transport proteins, also influence ion transport and pHe regulation. Our prior whole transcriptome analysis of maturation and secretory enamel organ cells identify a potential role for miR-298 and miR-346 in the regulation of NHERF1, Slc26a1, Slc26a7 and Cftr. In this application we hypothesize that a “SLC26A/CFTR/NHERF1/NaPi2b network, directing ion movements directly related to HCO3- and Pi transport and pH regulation, while at the same time dictating apical membrane architecture, is critical for enamel maturation, and disruptions to this network result in enamel pathologies that will severely impact on enamel longevity.” We propose the following specific aims: 1) immunolocalization of NHERF1, EZRIN, CFTR and NaPi2b in maturation ameloblasts; 2) disrupt SLC26A/CFTR/NHERF1/NaPi2b network in enamel organ cells in vivo using miR-346 and miR-298 delivered directly at the site of mineralization; and; 3) investigate the nature of the NHERF1 and NaPi2b interactions in enamel organ cells in vitro and in vivo. In this study we anticipate that disrupting the SLC26A/CFTR network and NaPi2b activity, by directly targeting NHERF1 function, will result in a significant enamel dysmorphology. Findings from this study will have a significant impact on our understanding of the biomineralization process as it relates to enamel formation in all mammalian species. This study may also lead to strategies for handling inherited enamel defects in the clinic; and, in the long run help to prevent and alleviate the suffering of those afflicted with cystic fibrosis and other diseases.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = -$38,469 )
2025	2024	UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA	3720 S FLOWER ST FL 3	LOS ANGELES	CA	90033	LOS ANGELES	USA	Oral Diseases and Disorders Research	000	4	8/1/2025	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	-$38,469
														Subtotal = -$38,469

Issue Date FY: 2024 ( Subtotal = $384,038 )
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA	3720 S FLOWER ST FL 3	LOS ANGELES	CA	90089	LOS ANGELES	USA	Oral Diseases and Disorders Research	001	4	6/13/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$31,350
2024	2024	UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA	3720 S FLOWER ST FL 3	LOS ANGELES	CA	90089	LOS ANGELES	USA	Oral Diseases and Disorders Research	000	4	2/22/2024	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$352,688
														Subtotal = $384,038

Issue Date FY: 2023 ( Subtotal = $391,875 )
2023	2023	UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA	3720 S FLOWER ST	LOS ANGELES	CA	90089	LOS ANGELES	USA	Oral Diseases and Disorders Research	000	3	2/10/2023	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$391,875
														Subtotal = $391,875

Issue Date FY: 2022 ( Subtotal = $387,956 )
2022	2022	UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA	3720 S FLOWER ST FL 3	LOS ANGELES	CA	90007	LOS ANGELES	USA	Oral Diseases and Disorders Research	000	2	2/9/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$352,688
2022	2022	UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA	3720 S FLOWER ST FL 3	LOS ANGELES	CA	90007	LOS ANGELES	USA	Oral Diseases and Disorders Research	001	2	4/28/2022	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$35,268
														Subtotal = $387,956

Issue Date FY: 2021 ( Subtotal = $352,688 )
2021	2021	UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA	3720 S FLOWER ST FL 3	LOS ANGELES	CA	90007	LOS ANGELES	USA	Oral Diseases and Disorders Research	000	1	3/15/2021	NEW	$352,688
														Subtotal = $352,688

Grand Total All Awards = $1,478,088

Top

All Categories

About

Search

Reports

Data Submission

Award Information

Amelogenesis and Ion Transport

Award Number: R01DE029445

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DENTAL AND CRANIOFACIAL RESEARCH

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 03/15/2021

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2025

Federal Websites

Department of Health & Human Services

HHS Operating Divisions

HHS Staff Divisions

Download A Document Viewer