Project Grant R00DE033689

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, part of the Department of Health and Human Services National Institutes of Health, awarded the University of Illinois $249,000 on August 5, 2026, under the Oral Diseases and Disorders Research program (CFDA 93.121) to develop bone-like organoids that elucidate how immune responses influence craniofacial bone healing and regeneration.

The recipient will establish bone-like organoids as predictive tools for craniofacial bone repair outcomes, identify immune response patterns associated with successful versus failed healing in craniofacial defects, develop models to forecast healing outcomes before completion, and create patient-specific bone-like organoids to test regenerative therapies. Work builds on prior foundational research that created bone-mimicking organoids and a clinically relevant craniofacial defect model, and preliminary findings indicating abnormal immune responses in unrepaired craniofacial defects. The project aims to advance personalized approaches to craniofacial bone repair and support development of more effective, immune-informed treatments, addressing the clinical burden of large facial and jaw bone defects that cost the healthcare system over $1 billion annually and currently require invasive bone grafts with unpredictable outcomes.

Performance takes place in Eugene, Oregon. The award period runs through July 31, 2029. The assistance type is a Project Grant, categorized under the R00 (Mentored to Independent Transition) award mechanism. NIDCR extramural research funds basic, translational, and clinical research in dental, oral, and craniofacial health and disease.