Dr. Luan - Research

Currently, we are utilizing bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells as well as novel tooth-derived, pluripotent cells to explore their potential toward the regeneration of the periodontal and other dental tissues. We have cloned and characterized novel genes that play important roles in the formation of dental tissues (e.g. CP27). In combined molecular biology/tissue engineering approaches, we are exploring the functions of these genes as they differentiate pluripotent cells and determine the molecular pathways that define the role of these genes. Besides the novel genes mentioned above we are testing the functions of known genes such as BMPs, SHH and others as they relate to the differentiation of stem cells into craniofacial target tissues. The third variable of the classic tissue engineering triad defines complex biostructures that aid the molecular self-assembly and cellular organization within novel tissues. One avenue of scaffolds we are currently pursuing include thermo-inducible and UV-crosslinking hydrogels, simple polymerizing hydrogels as well as collagen gels as defined matrices to seed and anchor pluripotent cells. Lastly, we are relying on pre-existing biostructures such as teeth and bones that we are using as templates for the induction and regeneration of novel tissues.