Research




Research Priorities

The Divisions of Periodontics, Prevention and Geriatrics have three main research focus areas. They include basic science research, clinical periodontics, and population studies. This past year has seen rapid progress on all three fronts. In addition, increased emphasis is being placed on translational research which will eventually bring laboratory studies into the clinical area. We continue to believe that this broad-based approach is the most fruitful path to establishing new and more effective treatment, management, and prevention strategies.

Priority 1: Basic Sciences
To understand mechanisms controlling the formation, regeneration, and repair of oral hard and soft tissues with emphasis on those tissues important for periodontal healing such as bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum. Our goal is to gain a sufficient knowledge base in the pathobiology of periodontal disease and the repair potential of tissues to develop therapeutic methods that will reverse the destructive consequences of the disease, i.e. loss of supporting bone and other tissues. Topics currently under study by faculty include: the role of cellular vitamin C levels in bone formation; nuclear factors controlling bone-specific gene expression; the role of parathyroid hormone in bone formation; phosphoproteins and adhesion molecules as agents in cementum formation and bone mineralization; and use of gene therapy to increase local growth factor/morphogen concentrations in sites of periodontal and dental pulp healing.

Priority 2: Clinical Periodontics/Translational Research
To apply discoveries in the basic sciences relating to the repair, regeneration, and healing of oral tissues to the clinical area, and to evaluate the efficacy of specific treatment modalities. In the past ten years, we have witnessed enormous progress in the area of tissue replacement therapy, popularly called periodontal regeneration. We aim to improve regenerative approaches by applying new knowledge in the areas of protein and molecular biology. Thus far, faculty researchers have identified a number of proteins which may foster or accelerate selective wound healing, including adhesion molecules and growth factors. We anticipate that these factors, when utilized in an appropriate therapeutic manner, may significantly improve the natural regenerative response, thereby making possible tooth retention even in patients diagnosed with severe periodontal disease and bone loss. These regenerative therapies may also have broad application in the field of tissue engineering and orthopedics

Priority 3: Population Studies
To define psychosocial, dietary, and behavioral risk factors for periodontal and other oral diseases, and to develop ways to enhance dental health care delivery outcomes. In addition to generating the information base and methodologies for treating periodontal disease, the department is investigating ways of optimizing health care delivery. Ongoing studies include evaluation of at-risk populations in terms of health behavior, oral health status, and dental health care provider factors, (such as reimbursement, delivery of care, and personnel). Other projects are investigating how dental health care professionals acquire and transfer information, and their use of computer-based tools to support clinical decision making.

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Faculty Research - Areas of Interest

Bagramian, Robert, DDS, PhD, Professor of Dentistry - My research has focused on collaborative efforts with colleagues in the areas of epidemiology related to Quality of Life issues in oral health. Marita Inglehart and I have continued to secure funding in the area of QOL and are presently conducting research in with school children in the Flint area. I have also established relationships with the Institute for Social Research to focus in the area of health disparities which involves faculty and researchers from medicine, pubic health, social work, nursing, sociology and engineering.

Benavides, Erika, DDS, PhD, Clinical Lecturer - Research focuses on structure and property characterization of the temporomandibular joint disc (K08 grant application submitted to NIH/NIDCR); TMJ imaging modalities; diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI); advanced imaging modalities; radiation biology and oncology.

Datta, Nabanita, MS, PhD, Assistant Research Scientist - Primary research interest is to gain a better understanding of the role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH related protein (PTHrP) in osteoblast (bone forming cells) growth control.  Studies are directed in defining the molecular mechanisms including signal transduction pathways and cell cycle regulation of PTH and PTHrP action during osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro and in vivo.

D'Silva, Nisha, DDS, MSD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Dentistry - Our laboratory focuses on two areas of research in oral carcinogenesis. The first area of investigation is the role of ras-like proteins and galanin receptors in tumor growth and progression. These studies are focused on cell-matrix interactions as well as nuclear transport of proteins that induce transcription of genes that promote cell proliferation and invasion. The second area of research that we recently initiated is the identification of serum-based biomarkers for early detection of oral cancer. Our laboratory uses both basic cell and molecular biology approaches as well as translational/ patient data for this research.

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Eber, Robert M., DDS, MS, Clinical Associate Professor of Dentistry - My research interests include clinical evaluation of periodontal therapies, which currently involves collaboration with Dr. Laurie McCauley on a project to assess the effects of parathyroid hormone on regeneration of intrabony periodontal pockets in humans. In the past several years I have also collaborated with Dr. Marita Inglehart and dental students to develop research projects to study the effects of anxiety and depression on healing and perception of pain after periodontal surgery; and patterns of antibiotic usage and antimicrobial testing by general dentists and periodontists for treatment of periodontal disease. Other past collaborations have included clinical trials of a sonic toothbrush, locally delivered antimicrobials, bone grafting materials, and the effects of periodontal treatment on glycemic control in Type II diabetics (NIDCR study with PI, Dr. George Taylor).

Franceschi, Renny, PhD, Professor of Dentistry - Our laboratory is studying signals regulating the formation and functioning of osteoblasts, cells that produce and mineralize the extracellular matrix of bone, and is applying this knowledge to regenerate mineralized tissues for eventual clinical use. Research is focused on mechanisms controlling osteoblast-specific gene expression with particular emphasis on the roles of bone-associated transcription factors, cell:extracellular matrix interactions, and mechanical force in this process. Specific projects include: 1) studies to elucidate the mechanism through which collagen:integrin interactions and mechanical force activate osteoblast-specific genes and associated tissue-specific transcription factors including RUNX2, 2) development of gene therapy approaches to stimulate bone regeneration through the controlled expression of BMPs and other morphogenic compounds. Major accomplishments include elucidation of the role of extracellular matrix-integrin interactions and ERK/MAPK signaling in osteoblast differentiation, the first demonstration that the osteoblast-specific transcription factor, RUNX2, is activated by ERK/MAPK-dependent phosphorylation and characterization of the mechanism through which phosphorylation regulates transcriptional activity, identification of cooperative interactions between RUNX2 and other bone-related transcription factors including DLX5/6 and ATF4 and the demonstration that gene therapy using viral expression of bone morphogenetic proteins can be used to regenerate bone. My research group is part of the Center for Craniofacial Regeneration, a University-wide center dedicated to the goal of conducting basic and applied research directed toward oral mineralized tissue regeneration.

Giannobile, William, DDS, DMS, Associate Professor of Dentistry and Biomedical Engineering and Director of the Clinical Research Center - Our laboratory is exploring the potential of novel methods of growth factor delivery such as gene therapy to stimulate periodontal tissue repair. In addition, we are involved in clinical research to develop predictive markers of periodontal and peri-implant bone loss.

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Green, Thomas, PhD, Director of Pre-Doctoral Studies, Lecturer in Dentistry - My scholarly activity has centered on curriculum innovation and assessment. Projects include: web-based patient simulations to teach genetics in a dental context; web-based patient simulations to teach research skills in a dental context; on-line student assessment; competency assessment of students using patient simulations; preparing disadvantaged students for dental school admission.

Inglehart, Marita, PhD, Associate Professor - My research is focused on oral health and quality of life issues, especially in children. Currently collecting data from elementary school children, their parents and teachers in Flint, MI, funded by a grant from NIH. Dr. Inglehart is also interested in educational research that focuses on gaining a better understanding of how to educate patient-centered and culturally sensitive providers who are open to interdisciplinary collaborations.

Johnson, Lynn, PhD, Associate Professor and Director of Dental Informatics - Dr. Johnson is actively involved in the design, production and evaluation of innovative and effective methods of communication and education. She has also conducted research in the creation, storage and retrieval of digital images. Current research includes developing and evaluating new strategies for delivering media effectively and efficiency to students including podcasting, interactive patient simulations; evaluating digital asset management systems; developing and evaluating educational World Wide Web products for dental students and practitioners; and researching a force-feedback dental surgical simulator.

Kanjirath, Preetha, DDS, MS, Assistant Professor - My research focus has been in the area of clinical/translational research. I am currently involved in several projects involving Herpes Simplex Virus. Research interests also include clinical decision analysis and subtraction radiography.

Kapila, Yvonne, DDS, PhD, Associate Professor - My lab focuses on three main areas of research. One area involves understanding the underlying cell-matrix interactions that govern disease progression in inflammatory diseases such as periodontal tissues. These studies encompass both basic cell and molecular biology studies and patient/translational investigations. Another related area that our lab has recently embarked on relates to expanding our understanding of the mechanisms by which matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) triggered by inflammatory disease-modulated-matrices may enhance osteoclast activity and diminish osteoblast differentiation. Lastly, the other main area of research in my lab involves understanding the cell-matrix interactions that govern cell survival and invasion/migration of squamous cell carcinomas.

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Kerschbaum, Wendy, RDH, MA, MPH, Associate Professor of Dental Hygiene, Director of Dental Hygiene - My primary research area is educational research. Current studies are examining the impact of innovative programs on student learning and satisfaction, and the effect of continuing education on dental hygiene practice.

Klausner, Christine, RDH, MS, Clinical Assistant Professor - Research interests focus on peer assisted learning as a teaching strategy with dental hygiene students, and the use of technology as a communication tool for case-based instruction. Currently working as a co-investigator in a clinical research study to determine whether specific apoptosis-associated proteins can be used as markers for periodontal disease progression

McCauley, Laurie, DDS, PhD, Professor and Chair - Current research areas are hormonal controls of bone remodeling. Anabolic actions of parathyroid hormone (PTH), parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and their dependence on the PTH-1 receptor and AP-1 transcription factors to evoke their anabolic actions. The role of PTHrP in skeletal specific processes such as bone metastasis and tooth eruption. The dependence of sex steroids on actions of parathyroid hormones in bone.

Neiva, Rodrigo, DDS, MS, Clinical Assistant Professor of Dentistry and Director of Externship Program in Periodontology - Research focuses on new technologies and techniques for bone and soft tissue augmentation for implant site development. Also interested in methods for improvement of the outcomes of periodontal therapy.

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Oh, Tae-Ju, DDS, MS, Clinical Assistant Professor - Research focus is on dental implants (e.g., immediate implant loading, flapless implant surgery, guided bone regeneration) and periodontology (e.g., local antimicrobial agents).

Ramseier, Christoph, DMD, Research Fellow - Research activities include integrated microfluidic system for oral diagnostics; gene transfer therapy for periodontal regenerative medicine; implementation and evaluation of tobacco use cessation in dentistry; implementation of e-learning in the dental curriculum.

Richards, Philip, DDS, MS, Clinical Associate Professor - Research interests include clinical decision-making, patient-provider communication and developing and evaluating new educational methodologies.

Sarment, David - Research interests largely focus on implantology, is working on precise implant placement methods and advanced diagnostic tools. Recently, a cone-beam CT scanner became clinically available and research evaluation is underway. New CAD/CAM surgical guides are also being clinically evaluated for their practicality and precision, with potential to apply the CT scanning techniques for periodontal evaluation. He is also evaluating metalloprotease levels in gingival biopsies, an evaluation of a herbal patch delivery and participating in clinical outcome evaluation using a beta-tricalcium phosphate carrier in combination with a growth factor.

Stefanac, Stephen, DDS, MS, Associate Dean for Patient Services - Research interests include oral medicine, treatment planning, and developing patient case simulations.

Taichman, Russell, DMD, DMSc, Associate Professor of Dentistry - Research focuses on the role of osteoblasts in normal bone marrow function. The laboratory is currently trying to identify the osteoblast-derived factor(s) that support hematopoiesis. Identifying these mechanisms may someday ultimately reduce the morbidity/mortality associated with bone marrow transplants and will likely lead to the identification of novel methods to improve bone engraftment for regenerative therapies. Recent NIDCR grants have allowed the group to dissect the molecular events that mediate cell-to-cell adhesion between osteoblasts and hematopoietic stem cells. Part of the receptor complex that has been uncovered is novel and may be involved in how stem cells return to the marrow during bone marrow transplantation. In a second related project, the group is studying the mechanisms used by tumor cells to metastasize to the bone marrow. It has been found that part of the mechanism relates to products secreted by osteoblasts in the bone marrow that interact with receptors on tumor cells. Currently the focus is on the receptor CXCR4 (an HIV co-receptor). This receptor binds stromal derived factor-1 (SDF-1) which we believe directs the chemotaxis of prostate cancers towards the marrow. In fact, the group has recently demonstrated that blocking CXCR4 resulted in fewer tumors in animals. Recently funded projects include examinations of genetic variability in these genes that regulate tumor progression and metastasis. In addition, we are developing novel methods to identify and purify mesenchymal stem cells.

Wang, Hom-Lay, DDS, MSD, Professor and Director of Graduate Periodontics - Research focuses on periodontal/implant related clinical researches. The utilization of barrier membranes, various bone grafting and techniques or growth factors in guided tissue/bone regeneration or tissue engineering in attempts to repair and/or regenerate various periodontal and implant-related defects. Oral plastic surgery to enhanced esthetics in natural dentition as well as dental implant.

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Research Labs

Dr. William Giannobile Lab - Lab team, news, publications, and activities.

Dr. Yvonne Kapila Lab - Research interests, current grants and lab personnel.

Dr. Laurie McCauley Lab - Research interests and lab personnel.

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Web Links

Center for Craniofacial Regeneration - CCR is composed of dental, biomedical, bioengineering and other researchers who are working together to develop novel therapeutic treatments. These treatments offer promise to help improve the health and quality of life for patients with various oral, dental, and craniofacial defects, disorders, and diseases who would benefit from tissues that are regenerated or engineered in a laboratory. With a better understanding of the biology of tissue regeneration, CCR researchers hope to improve existing therapies to enhance the health and quality of life for patients with mineralized tissue defects.

Michigan Center for Oral Health Research - The mission of the Center for Oral Health Research is to serve the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, the profession, and the public in the translation of basic knowledge into new evidence-based clinical therapies and the evaluation of existing therapies where important evidence gaps exist to improve oral, dental and craniofacial health.

Oral Pathology Image Database (Login required) - Searchable database of oral and maxillofacial pathology case slides.