Research in Dr. Hu's laboratory is focused on understanding tooth formation and the etiologies of inherited dental defects

Basic studies on enamelin characterization and expression. Enamelin is a matrix component of the developing enamel. Its strong affinity to the enamel crystallites suggests a potential role in the enamel mineralization process. This protein makes up 5% of the enamel matrix and is heavily modified upon synthesis.  We are interested in characterizing its structure, understanding the regulation of its expression, and identifying its specific functions. Current effort is focusing on establishment of transgenic and knockin mouse models. (NIDCR RO1 DE-11301-06)

Mutational analyses of families with inherited dental defects.  We have characterized multiple mutations of the enamelin gene in families with various ethnic background.  These mutations were determined to be responsible for local hypoplastic and smooth hypoplastic amelogenesis imperfecta. (Study supported by American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and NIDCR RO1 DE-15846 JPS).