NIH Funds Research on the Origin of Mandibular Disorders

Joan T. Richtsmeier, PhD, a distinguished professor at Pennsylvania State University, has received a $2.8 million grant to investigate one of the most common birth defects—mandibular disorders. The 5-year grant is funded by the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research. In utero impairment of the mandible’s development may have long-term consequences on important functions such as speech, eating, and breathing. Richtsmeier and her team will focus on the role of Meckel’s cartilage in the development of the mandible at the embryonic stage. They hope to uncover new prevention strategies in addition to viable treatment options for bone repair and regeneration. Click here to read more.