Federal Grant Award Summary

Virginia Commonwealth University received a $310,500 Project Grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research under the Oral Diseases and Disorders Research program (CFDA 93.121) awarded June 15, 2026, with completion expected June 14, 2027. This award supports a one-year research initiative investigating the role of nuclear bone morphogenetic protein 2 (NBMP2) in macrophage immunomodulation and its effects on periodontal regeneration and bone repair. The research will deliver mechanistic insights through three primary objectives: characterizing the regulation of macrophage NBMP2 and BMP2 (bone morphogenetic protein 2) expression; functionally dissecting NBMP2-regulated STAT6 (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 6) signaling pathways in macrophages; and demonstrating the role of macrophage NBMP2 and BMP2 expression on tissue repair and regeneration.

The project will utilize cell culture and knockout mouse models to define the mechanisms by which nuclear BMP2 controls macrophage polarization toward a regenerative M2-like phenotype. Research outputs will include peer-reviewed publications and experimental data establishing the contribution of macrophage NBMP2 and BMP2 expression to bone and periodontal regeneration. These mechanistic findings are intended to address existing gaps in knowledge regarding periodontal regeneration and advance understanding of macrophage function in tissue repair processes, with potential applications for improving clinical periodontal and bone regeneration strategies.