Contact: Dr. Lillian Shum, (301) 594-0618, Lillian.Shum@nih.gov
Through its Mineralized Tissue and Salivary Gland Physiology Program, the NIDCR supports basic and translational research on craniofacial skeletal biology and pathobiology, saliva and salivary glands, and pharmacogenetics. The goal of the program is to promote interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to advance the understanding of normal and abnormal processes underlying oral, dental and craniofacial diseases and disorders. In addition, the program encourages research that is responsive to the NIH Roadmap Initiatives.
Craniofacial Skeletal Biology and Pathobiology
NIDCR encourages research in craniofacial skeletal biology including the physiology of tooth, bone and cartilage, and associated disorders and diseases. This part of the program emphasizes signaling networks and pathways regulating normal cellular functions and activities, and disruptions in these pathways that result in pathogenesis. We welcome genomic, proteomic and systems approaches to investigate these scientific topics. Areas of interest include but are not limited to:
- Biochemistry, biophysics and physiochemistry of the regulation of biomineralization in enamel, dentin, cementium and bone
- Onset and progression of demineralization and remineralization
- Matrix biology of collagens, non-collagenous proteins and proteoglycans
- Molecular mechanisms of action of fluoride on skeletal cells and tissues
- Molecular basis of dental and skeletal fluorosis
- Activities and functions of ameloblasts, odontoblasts, periodontal ligament cells, cementoblasts, gingival fibroblasts and pulp cells
- Osteoblast activities and bone matrix deposition
- Osteoclast activities, bone matrix remodeling and resorption
- Orthodontic tooth movement and root resorption
- Chondrocyte activities and cartilage homeostasis
- Signal transduction related to cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions
- Animal models for craniofacial skeletal diseases and disorders
- Biomarkers for the detection, diagnosis, and prognosis of craniofacial skeletal diseases and disorders
Saliva and Salivary Gland Physiology
NIDCR encourages research on the composition of saliva and salivary gland physiology. We welcome integrative approaches to basic studies and translational research in salivary gland biology. Areas of interest include but are not limited to:
- Salivary gland morphogenesis and structure
- Salivary gland stem cells, their origins, molecular signatures and differentiation potentials
- Salivary protein and glycoprotein synthesis, modification, secretion and functions
- Fluid and electrolyte transport and secretion
- Salivary gland as a molecular portal for detecting and improving systemic health
- Salivary biomarkers and health surveillance
- Age-related, disease-related, drug-induced and radiation-induced changes in salivary gland function
- Pharmacogenetics of drug-induced xerostomia
- Therapeutic approaches to salivary gland dysfunction
- Repair and regeneration
- Systems approach to salivary and exocrine gland biology
Pharmacogenetics
NIDCR encourages research to elucidate the genetic basis of heterogeneous responses to drugs used in the treatment of craniofacial and oral diseases and disorders, and the genetic basis of adverse oral reactions to other drug treatments. Areas of interest include but are not limited to:
- Genomic and proteomic studies of cellular and metabolic pathways of drugs to identify molecular variations that determine heterogeneous responses
- Genetic polymorphisms of drug transport proteins, receptors, binding proteins, and metabolizing enzymes that alter pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs
- Impact of environmental factors as modifiers of genetic variations
- Animal models and in vitro assays for the study of variable drug responses
- Genotypic and phenotypic biomarkers for variable drug responses
- Biomarkers for the prediction of drug responses, selection of treatment regimens and prevention of side effects and toxicity
- Pharmacogenetics of fluoride
Additional Information
For further information about the NIDCR Mineralized Tissue and Salivary Gland Physiology Program, please contact:
Lillian Shum, PhD
Director
Mineralized Tissue and Salivary Gland Physiology Program
Integrative Biology and Infectious Diseases Branch
Division of Extramural Research
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
6701 Democracy Blvd.
Room 624, Mail Stop 4878
Bethesda, MD 20892-4878
(Courier please use: MD 20817)
Phone: 301-594-0618
Fax: 301-480-8319
Email: Lillian.Shum@nih.gov