This Independent Scientist Award (K02) application is designed to support career development in the studies of protein-assisted biomineralization: The role of post-translational modifications of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM) and its impact on mineral formation. This expertise will be applied to the applicant's funded R01 """"""""Dentin Biomineralization"""""""" which involves the determination of the difference in phosphorylation patterns and sites of exon 5 of Dentin Matrix Protein 3 using mass spectrometry by analysing recombinantly produced phosphophoryn (PP) as well as purified PP from stably transfected non-mineralizing cells (NIH3T3) and cells that have the capability to mineralize (MC3T3-E1 and MDPC-23). In addition, we will assess how this post- translational modification impacts mineral formation. Career development skills will be applied to collaborative research with Co-PI and consultant. New career development activities in proteomics will include proteomics courses offered at the University of Pittsburgh, intensive workshops and hands on experiments in collaborator and core facility laboratories. This will involve sample preparation, running sample on MALDI-TOF/TOF-MS/MS and sample analysis. Career development in mineral characterization will include tutorials of the necessary equipment (x-ray diffraction, FTIR, SEM, TEM and EDAX), courses in Materials Sciences and Engineering focused on ceramics at Carnegie Mellon University, workshops, sample analysis in collaborator laboratory. The candidate will devote at least 75% of his time to research during the 5-year proposal duration and plans to attend a series of advanced courses, which include responsible conduct in science, career development and grant writing, bioethics, data management, writing and presentation skills. Support of this award will allow the applicant protected time to learn the fundamentals of mass spectrometry and mineral characterization as well as establish a strong research program focused on physiological/pathological biomineralization.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research (K02)
Project #
5K02DE016900-04
Application #
7643254
Study Section
NIDCR Special Grants Review Committee (DSR)
Program Officer
Hardwick, Kevin S
Project Start
2006-07-15
Project End
2011-06-30
Budget Start
2009-07-01
Budget End
2010-06-30
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$121,905
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Pittsburgh
Department
Dentistry
Type
Schools of Dentistry
DUNS #
004514360
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
15213
Li, Jinhua; Olton, Dana; Lee, Donghyun et al. (2009) Cell derived hierarchical assembly of a novel phosphophoryn-based biomaterial. Cells Tissues Organs 189:252-5