The Laboratory of Oral-Mucosal Stem Cell Regeneration and Enzymatic Dental Therapeutics is charting new frontiers in the realm of regenerative medicine and dental care. Harnessing the potent capabilities of stem cells derived from the oral mucosa, the research endeavors not only target the restoration of oral structures but also broader applications, such as bone regeneration in critical areas like spinal fusion. Concurrently, through the meticulous application of protein engineering, the team delves into the development of advanced enzymatic solutions, aiming to revolutionize therapeutic strategies in dentistry. This laboratory’s multifaceted research approach promises to shape the future of both tissue restoration and dental care advancements.

Specific Research interests/topics:
– Oral Mucosa-Derived Stem Cells:
  – Isolation and characterization of true stem cells from oral mucosa.
  – Enhancing the osteogenic potential of oral mucosa-derived stem cells (from oral mesenchymal stem cells to bone producing cells).
– Bone Regeneration:
  – Role of oral mucosal stem cells in craniofacial bone regeneration.
  – Potential in restoring periodontal tissues.
  – Application in spinal fusion: exploring compatibility and efficacy.
– Protein Engineering in Dentistry:
  – Enzymatic solutions for atraumatic tooth extraction.
  – Enzymatic strategies to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement, aiming to shorten the total duration of orthodontic therapy.

Research methods: 
1. Total Single Cell RNA Sequencing (scRNA-seq):
   – Objective: To identify the distinct subset of true mesenchymal stem cells from fibroblasts derived from oral mucosa, based on variations in their gene expression patterns.
   – Methodology: Cells are prepared into single-cell suspensions. Using specialized technology, each cell’s RNA is sequenced, allowing us to identify unique sub-populations of stem cells.

2. FACS-Based Isolation of Oral Mucosa-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells:
   – Objective: To isolate oral mucosa-derived mesenchymal stem cells from other cell types.
   – Methodology: Using Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS), cells are labeled with specific fluorescent antibodies that bind to markers exclusive to mesenchymal stem cells. These labeled cells are then sorted and isolated, ensuring a pure population for research.

3. Animal Models for Bone Regeneration:
   – Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of oral mucosa-derived stem cells in promoting bone regeneration in vivo.
   – Methodology: Animal models, such as rats or rabbits, might have defects created in their bones, followed by the introduction of stem cells. The rate and quality of bone regeneration are then studied using methods like histology, radiography, and biomechanical testing.

4. Tooth Extraction and Dental Implant Placement Animal Models:
   – Objective: To determine the forces required for tooth extraction following enzymatic pre-treatment, any potential harm to the adjacent soft and hard tissues due to the extraction procedure, and the stability of dental implants following enzymatically assisted tooth extraction.
   – Methodology: The forces required for tooth extraction are measured using a tensile strength testing machine after administering engineered enzymes. The integrity of adjacent tissues following the tooth extraction and dental implant placement is analyzed through histological and radiographic examinations.

5. Orthodontic Animal Models:
   – Objective: To determine the variations in the speed of orthodontic tooth movement after introducing engineered enzymes, in contrast to the traditional method.
   – Methodology: Devices similar to orthodontic braces are fitted to animal models, like rats. With controlled pressure applied to induce tooth movement, researchers can study the biological responses, measure the rate of movement, and evaluate the impact of enzymatic treatments.

These methods collectively provide the laboratory with a comprehensive toolkit, allowing for both detailed cellular insights and practical evaluations of potential therapies. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, the laboratory ensures robust and reliable findings that can pave the way for new advancements in the field.

Main projects in the lab include:
1. Recognizing and isolating mesenchymal stem cells sourced from oral mucosa for application in cranio-facial bone regeneration and spinal fusion.
2. Enzymatically assisted atraumatic tooth extraction.
3. Enzymatically assisted orthodontic tooth movement and prevention of post-treatment relapse.

Lab Facilities and capabilities:
The Laboratory of Oral-Mucosal Stem Cell Regeneration and Enzymatic Dental Therapeutics is distinguished by its multifaceted research approach, amalgamating modern molecular techniques with practical in vivo applications. Here’s an elaboration on its specialized capabilities:

• Advanced Molecular Biology Analysis
• Tissue engineering techniques that incorporate oral mucosa-derived stem cells in conjunction with various scaffolding materials
• Protein Engineering Capabilities
• Animal Models for Bone Regeneration
• Tooth Extraction and Dental Implant Placement Animal Models
• Orthodontic Tooth Movement Animal Models

In essence, The Laboratory of Oral-Mucosal Stem Cell Regeneration and Enzymatic Dental Therapeutics is a nexus of state-of-the-art molecular analysis, inventive protein engineering, and practical animal modeling, synergistically pushing the boundaries of dental science and therapy.

Available Research Services:
1. Identification, isolation, and evaluation of stem cell differentiation.
2. Wide range of animal models.

Potential industries:
1. Pharma
2. Biotech
3. Agtech