Mineralized Tissue Physiology Program

The Mineralized Tissue Physiology Program supports basic and translational science research with particular emphasis in the following areas:

• Biochemistry, biophysics, and physiochemistry of the regulation of mineralization in enamel, dentin, cementum, and bone
• Cementum-Dentin-Enamel interfaces
• Role of unique cell types localized to alveolar and craniofacial bones
• Orthodontic tooth movement and root resorption
• Fibrocartilage biology and interaction with other tissues in the temporomandibular joint
• Activities and functions of ameloblasts, odontoblasts, periodontal ligament cells, cementoblasts, gingival fibroblasts, and pulp cells
• Interactions between the nervous system and dental and craniofacial skeleton

In addition to these studies, the program also supports development of resources and tools such as:

• Models for craniofacial skeletal diseases and disorders
• In vivo and in vitro models of amelogenesis
• Tools and technologies to structurally and functionally characterize interactions between the dental/craniofacial skeleton and other tissues/cells
• Non-invasive or non-destructive imaging modalities for mineralized tissues
• Biomarkers for the detection, diagnosis, and prognosis of craniofacial skeletal diseases and disorders
• Biomarkers in dental and craniofacial mineralized tissues reflective of health or environmental exposure

Other broad topics of interest relating to the dental and craniofacial skeleton include:

• Pharmacogenetics and the genetic basis of heterogeneous response to or adverse oral reactions to drugs used in the treatment of craniofacial and oral diseases and disorders
• Mechanisms of host response and integration of engineered tissues including scaffolds and bioactive gel matrices
• Signal transduction related to cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions
• Distraction osteogenesis
• Matrix biology of collagens, non-collagenous proteins, and proteoglycans
• Molecular basis of dental fluorosis
• Molecular mechanisms of action of fluoride on cells and tissues
• Onset and progression of demineralization and remineralization
• Microcrack propagation and repair
• Osseointegration
• Bone active agents
• Osteocyte, Osteoblast, and Osteoclast activities
• Bone homeostasis and remodeling, microenvironment sensing, and role in paracrine signaling
• Chondrocyte activities and cartilage homeostasis