U-M News Service, January, 2010. “Lights out: A protein may switch off cancer cells”. University of Michigan researchers discovered that the protein called RIP plays a role in mediating both the life and death of squamous cell carcinoma cancer cells, said Yvonne Kapila, associate professor, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the School of Dentistry.

Research Interests

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.

Current Research

• Fibronectin Regulation of Carcinoma Apoptosis, NIH/NIDCR
• Apoptosis Regulated by Fibronectin Signaling Pathways, NIH/NIDCR
• Apoptosis Regulated by Fibronectin Signaling Pathways - Diversity Supplement, NIH/NIDCR
• Fibronectin Fragment-Induced Osteolysis Mediated by MMPs, NIH/NIDCR
• Apoptotic Biomarkers of Periodontal Disease, UM MCOHR/GCRC
• Role of Rap1 in Cadherin and Integrin Mediated Cross-Talk in Oral Keratinocytes, NIH/NIDCR

Lab Personnel