Dr. Renny Franceschi

Ann Arbor, MI – July 2, 2008 – Dr. Renny Franceschi, a professor of dentistry in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry has received the International Association for Dental Research’s top research award.

At IADR’s annual session in Toronto, Franceschi received the Biological Mineralization Award for his many discoveries related to the control of bone formation.

The process is mediated by the osteoblast, a highly specialized cell that secretes and mineralizes the collagen-containing extracellular matrix of mature bone. In healthy bone, the resulting structure provides strength and resistance to fractures while defects in osteoblast function lead to osteoporosis and increased risk of fracture.

Among his many research contributions, Franceschi has identified a fundamental mechanism that is used by the osteoblast to activate its genetic program to produce a mature mineralized matrix. This activation process occurs in response to extracellular signals, including weight-bearing exercise, that is known to dramatically stimulate bone formation and strength. This discovery may lead to developing pharmaceuticals designed to increase bone formation and strength.

Franceschi earned his PhD in biochemistry at Purdue University in 1978 and received additional postdoctoral research training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Before coming to the University of Michigan as an associate professor in 1993, he held faculty positions at Harvard and the University of Texas. In addition to his professorship at the School of Dentistry, Franceschi is also a professor in the Department of Biological Chemistry at the U-M Medical School. He was associate dean for research at the School of Dentistry and has also served as president of IADR’s Mineralized Tissues Group.

Franceschi, who has published approximately 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles, is the second School of Dentistry researcher to receive the prestigious award from IADR in as many years. Last year, Dr. James Simmer, a professor in the Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences received the award for his research.

The International Association for Dental Research seeks to advance research and increase knowledge that improves oral health. With more than 10,500 members worldwide, it also supports the oral health research community and enhances the communication and application of research findings that improve oral health worldwide.

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the nation’s leading dental schools engaged in oral health care education, research, patient care, and community service. General dental care clinics and specialty clinics providing advanced treatment enable the School to offer dental services and programs to patients throughout Michigan. Classroom and clinic instruction prepare future dentists, dental specialists, and dental hygienists for practice in private offices, hospitals, academia, and public agencies. Research seeks to discover and apply new knowledge that can help patients worldwide. For more information about the School of Dentistry, visit us on the Web at: www.dent.umich.edu.

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