Intramural Research

What this funds

NIDCR's Division of Intramural Research focuses on basic, translational, and clinical research on oral and craniofacial genetics, the biology of pain, immunology in the oral cavity, salivary gland development and function, stem cell biology, and tissue regeneration. Examples of Uncovering the role of a sugar-adding enzyme in oral immunity: A gel-like mucus coats and lubricates the tissues that line human mouths and lungs. This mucus protects the organs from physical or chemical damage, prevents infection, maintains balance through interactions with microbial communities, and comes from a family of sugar-covered proteins called mucins. The enzyme that attaches sugar molecules to mucin proteins is called GalNAc-T1. NIDCR intramural researchers are identifying how this enzyme works to deepen our understanding of these enzymes and guide therapeutics development for oral diseases.20 NIDCR intramural scientists are examining causes of Sjgren's disease and identifying potential therapeutic targets. Overexpression of a particular protein (called Lysosome-associated membrane protein 3 or LAMP3) has been implicated in both the development and progression of Sjgren's Disease. A recent study investigated cell death induced by LAMP3 and tested lysosomal biogenesis as a therapeutic target for Sjgren's Disease.21 Unlocking new molecular tools: Microbial defense systems in human health and disease An NIDCR research team is exploring the use of bacteriophages--viruses that target bacteria-- to treat oral diseases like tooth decay and gum disease, which can be caused by bacterial biofilms. Phages can penetrate biofilms, potentially allowing them to eliminate harmful bacteria while sparing beneficial ones. The team analyzed millions of genomes to identify new bacterial defense proteins and phage counter-defense proteins.22 Elucidating these interactions could lead to new phage-based therapies for oral and other bacterial diseases. Budget Policy: The FY 2027 President's Budget estimate for this program is $76.1 million, a decrease of $2.4 million or 3.0 percent compared with the FY 2026 Enacted level. Research management and support (RMS) supports the effective management of the world's In alignment with HHS priorities, NIDCR research has been refocused to address chronic oral conditions, promote technological and translational innovations, and bring research outcomes into practice. The Public Health Division and Office of Data Science and Evolving Technology support other divisions to enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability, while enabling Budget Policy: FY 2027 President's Budget estimate for this program is $33.4 million, a decrease of $1.0 million or 3.0 percent compared with the FY 2026 Enacted level. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research 1 The FY 2026 President's Budget proposed consolidating the 27 NIH Institutes and Centers into an 8- Institute structure, while maintaining the Office of the Director and the Building and Facilities account. 2 The FY 2025 House bill proposed consolidating the 27 NIH Institutes and Centers into a 12-Institute structure, while maintaining the Office of the Director and the Building and Facilities account. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research Full-time equivalent of overtime and holiday hours 0 0 0

Extracted from NIH - National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, p. 10. Verbatim; nothing here is paraphrased.

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