Dentistry PhD/MPhil (Tissue Injury and Repair Specialism) – (Ph.D.)

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Examples of research work in this area include:

* A major focus on tooth tissue regeneration, which offers exciting opportunities for development of novel biologically-based therapies to supersede more traditional filling approaches for tooth disease (Professor Tony Smith, Dr Ben Scheven, Dr Paul Cooper).
* Studies on tooth development which have shown that many of the cell-signalling processes are recapitulated during repair and regeneration in the mature tooth. Matrix-bound growth factors can be released during tissue dissolution arising from caries, and play a key role in signalling regenerative events. Stem cell-like populations present in the adult pulp are likely to respond to these growth factor signals for regenerative events. Gene expression studies, using micro-arrays and other technologies, are providing valuable understanding of the molecular mediators involved, and offer the opportunity for targeting these processes pharmaceutically (Professor Phil Lumley, Professor Tony Smith, Dr Paul Cooper). Our research includes the study of ultrasound effects on bone and tooth cells in order to elucidate the potential therapeutic role of ultrasound in tissue repair (Dr Ben Scheven, Dr Paul Cooper, Professor Tony Smith, Dr Simon Lea, Professor Damien Walmsley).
* Unravelling the complex stress response pathways in periodontitis at the molecular, cellular and clinical level (periodontal research group). Broad expertise allows the study of interactions between oral bacteria, epithelial cells and those of the inflammatory-immune system. The group are global research and opinion leaders in the REDOX biology mechanisms underpinning the pathogenesis of periodontitis and in the development of novel host-modulating therapies (Professor Iain Chapple, Dr John Matthews, Mr Mike Milward, Dr Melissa Grant, Dr Paul Cooper).
* Studies of peripheral blood neutrophil hyper-inflammation mediated via reactive oxygen species have unravelled, for the first time, a functional and reversible peripheral blood neutrophilic hyper-reactivity as well as a constitutional hyper-activity (Dr John Matthews, Professor Iain Chapple, Dr Helen Wright), which appears to underlie compromised plasma and crevicular fluid antioxidant defences (Professor Iain Chapple, Dr John Matthews).
* A landmark study demonstrating a key role for reduced glutathione in inflammatory periodontitis; subsequent work has revealed its fundamental role in controlling epithelial cell cytokine and chemokine production at the genomic and transcriptomic level (Cooper, Milward, Matthews, Chapple). This has led to further cutting-edge research into the applied biology of interferon-neutrophil and bacterial DNA-neutrophil interactions. The group has been the first outside the USA to demonstrate production of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETS) (Cooper, Chapple, Matthews, Wright). A new collaboration with Professor Helen Griffiths Group at Aston's School of Health and Life Sciences is providing an even broader perspective and exciting opportunities for young researchers in several areas of common interest.
* Forging new avenues of enquiry into the role of periodontal pathogens in neutrophil NET formation. We have also demonstrated that stress-related hormones have significant growth-promoting effects on many bacteria found in plaque.
* Using quantitative pathology for innovative, analytical methods to collect quantifiable and reproducible markers of disease, which are necessary to provide accurate, evidence-based diagnostic decisions and reliable prognostic parameters. Many of the tools pioneered by our team are based on digital image processing/analysis with an ultimate goal of developing intelligent diagnostic instrumentation. Long-standing international collaborations coupled with the use of computer modelling of cell and tissue growth have provided new insights into organ and tissue development. We have pioneered the development of markers of epithelial tissue architecture analysis and the use of fractal geometry to characterise the complexity of tissue mixing in chimaeras, tumour growth, pre-cancer growth and chemically-induced cancer (Dr Gabriel Landini).
* Researching the molecular, cellular and histomorphological aspects of oral lichen planus. The group is using organotypic tissue culture and imaging techniques to provide a better understanding of the aetiology and pathogenesis of this common oral disease. Image analysis is used to characterise biopsy samples and gene expression technologies are used to define the molecular changes associated with disease development. The generation of an in vitro model of oral lichen planus is being established to facilitate screening of novel therapies (Mr John Hamburger, Dr Gabriel Landini, Dr Dick Shelton, Dr Paul Cooper).
* The establishment of an internationally leading dental ultrasonics research centre within the School (Professor Damien Walmsley, Dr Gabriel Landini, Dr Simon Lea) supported by both EPSRC and commercial funding (Scanning laser vibrometry is used to investigate the vibration characteristics of dental ultrasonic instruments and powered toothbrushes. Novel in vitro tooth model systems are being designed and created to enable clinically realistic vibration measurements to be made. This work is globally recognised and is helping industry to develop and improve such technologies to the benefit of patients. Walmsley and Lea are investigating the biophysical forces generated around such instruments as well as evaluating the vibrations generated during dental drilling with the aim of reducing patient discomfort. The School is also involved in the Cochrane Review on the clinical effectiveness of powered toothbrushes (Professor Damien Walmsley).