Translational Oral Biosciences

We develop better materials for use in replacing damaged, diseased or missing tissues. We particularly look at the oral and cranio-facial region.

We try to better understand effects of dietary acids on enamel and dentine. We look into the use of toothpastes to re-mineralise eroded enamel and dentine.

Current research involves the development of

• polymers and polymer composites for tissue engineering scaffolds
• new resorbable composites for fracture fixation plates
• smart materials for fissure sealants and direct restorative materials

Principal investigator: Dr Matt German

Studying the function of our nervous system can help us provide a rational basis for selecting drugs. It may be useful for enhancing neuronal function in patients with:

• neurodegenerative disorders
• inflammatory, post traumatic and neuropathic pain

Our work is focused on:

• neuronal differentiation, maturation and degeneration in acute and chronic pain
• utilising models to explore the pathways of ion channel regulation

Lead: Dr Seva Telezhkin

Oral cancer is a global healthcare problem. It's associated with high levels of suffering and mortality. We investigate:

• genetic pathways of oral cancer development and progression
• novel biomarkers for early detection of oral cancer
• the development of tools that aid the diagnosis

Principal investigator: Dr Ralf Kist

Oral immunology explores the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. It identifies potential novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets.

We investigate:

• cell signalling, gene expression and protein secretion pathways involved in inflammation
• salivary protein biomarker profiles in periodontal disease and co-morbidities such as diabetes
• novel sensor technologies for chairside analysis of periodontal disease biomarkers

Principal investigators: Dr John Taylor and Dr Chris Nile

We look at microbial biofilms on teeth, known as dental plaque. These are responsible for the most common oral diseases, dental caries and periodontitis. We investigate novel approaches to control these microbial biofilms.

Our work focuses on:

• gene regulation during microbial cell-cell interactions
• the structure of dental plaque and other microbial biofilms
• physical, chemical and biological approaches for biofilm control
• the role of the biofilm matrix

Principal investigators: Dr Nick Jakubovics and Dr Chien-Yi Chang

Oral mucosal inflammatory disorders can impact the quality of life of affected patients. They include oral lichen planus (OLP).

Our research interests are:

• gene expression in patients with OLP
• interaction between microRNAs and cytokine expression in OLP tissue
• management and novel ways to control OLP

Principal investigator: Professor Marco Carrozzo