DSPP and infection: Within periapical lesions following 14 days of infection, nociceptor-ablation modulates expression of genes related to bone biology, particularly in processes related to regulation of osteoblast differentiation (e.g., Vegfa, Dspp, and Sfrp2), regulation of osteoclast differentiation (e.g., Ccl3, Tnf, and Ccl5), bone development, and ossification (Fig. 4A).