BMS News
Department of Biomedical Sciences • 3302 Gaston Ave. • Dallas, Texas 75246 • http://bcd.tamhsc.edu/education/bms/index.html
April 2009, Volume 3, Issue 1
N
TβRI
TβRII
TGF-β3B
TβRII
TGF-β3A N
TβRI
BMPRIA
ActRII
TMP-2 A
ActRII BMP-2 B BMPRIA
Groppe J et al., Mol Cell 29:157-168, 2008
Groppe J. Book chapter on bone development, to be published.
Message from the Chair Reflecting on the recent activity of the Biomedical Sciences Department, I have the sense that efforts begun in the last few years are coming to fruition and the deDr. Rena D'Souza partment is now moving "full steam ahead" toward becoming one of the top biomedical sciences departments in the country. This newsletter reports on some of the activities and happenings in our department in 2008. Progress was made, challenges were addressed, and new initiatives were begun in our teaching, research and service responsibilities. Significant advances were made in the training and education of students. Our newly funded NIH Comprehensive T32 grant, B-STARS, offers research training and development for dual-degree (DDS/PhD) students, PhD-only students, postdoctoral fellows and MS clinical researchers. Another NIH-funded initiative involving several BMS faculty is the R25 Oral Health Research Education project ("CUSPID: Clinicians Using Science Produce Inspired Dentists"). The goal of CUSPID is to create a four-year curriculum for the predoctoral students on the use of evidence-based dentistry (EBD). In this initial year of the funding period, the first-year students were introduced to the concept of evidence-based dentistry and its importance. In the 2009-2010 academic year, the second year of instruction will be initiated, and by 2011-2012, all four years of EBD courses will have been introduced. Another "first" was the use of peer-teaching of dissection in the first-year Gross Anato-
my course. Groups of six students, divided into subgroups of three, took turns teaching each other the dissections they performed throughout the semester. The instructors reported greater student interest and engagement in the course work. Our research programs continued to be productive in 2008. The programs in developmental biology and genetics of craniofacial tissues, morphogenesis and stem cellmediated tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, TMJ development and response to pain, mineralized tissues studies, and the development of biomedical dental devices were strong and contributed to the knowledge base in each of these areas. Several new and renewed NIH R01 applications were funded along with grants from other agencies. The time of publication of this newsletter coincides with the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the award of incentive monies to the NIH. I am pleased that the department is well positioned to benefit from the unprecedented opportunity to seek funding for projects and equipment that will produce significant results within a two-year time period. We appointed additional adjunct faculty to our department and continue to do so in an effort to develop professional affiliations with the top researchers and clinicians in many of the fields of study listed above. These and other experts in the biomedical sciences were featured speakers in our Pathways to Excellence seminars, which is reaching the end of another successful series of presentations on cuttingedge research. The faculty in the Department of Biomed-
ical Sciences contributed significantly to professional service at all levels in 2008 and held important offices in the American Association of Anatomists, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the International Association for Dental Research and other organizations. Specific leadership and activities by our faculty are listed on pages 14 and 15. The department is best known by the achievements each of its faculty, staff and students contribute every day. The wonderful mix of personalities, nationalities, and abilities makes our department a vibrant place to work; the collective energy and collegiality of the faculty and staff of this department are a daily inspiration to me. Of tremendous importance is the continued support of our programs and activities by Dr. James Cole, Dean. We thank him profusely, as well as Drs. Larry Bellinger and Charles Berry, who have given much administrative assistance and encouragement. Our cumulative efforts are directed toward the basic goals of helping Baylor College of Dentistry educate excellent dentists and produce top-notch research that will eventually lead to a better understanding of the etiology of craniofacial, oral and dental diseases. The following pages of this newsletter showcase these efforts taking place during 2008. We look forward to the activities and challenges ahead of us in 2009, which we will report in electronic format in the next annual newsletter. In the meantime, we send best wishes to you, our colleagues and friends around the world, and invite you to share your comments with us about our newsletter and to stop by to visit Baylor College of Dentistry when you are in the Dallas area.
Who's Who
Inside this issue:
Message from the Chair: p. 1
BMS Personnel p. 2 New Faculty: p. 3 Teaching Highlights: p. 4-5 Faculty Highlights: p. 6 Research Highlights: p. 7-8
Department News: p. 9-10
Publications: p. 11-12 Grants p.12-13
Invited Presentations p. 13-14 Leadership p. 14-15 Awards & Contact Information: p. 15 BMS people: p. 16
Editors: Dr. Emet Schneiderman Jeanne Santa Cruz Layout: Mary Noon
Professors Rena D’Souza, DDS, PhD, Chair Kathy Svoboda, PhD, Vice Chair Charles Berry, PhD; Associate Dean, Academic Affairs Larry Bellinger, PhD; Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies Paul C. Dechow, PhD, Graduate Program Director Jerry Feng, MD, PhD Robert Hinton, PhD Lynne A. Opperman, PhD, Director of Technology Development Associate Professors Jay Groppe, PhD Allen Honeyman, PhD Bob Hutchins, PhD Phillip Kramer, PhD Emet Schneiderman, PhD Avadhesh Sharma, PhD Robert Spears, PhD Fred Williams, PhD Brendan Wong, PhD
Assistant Professors M. Douglas Benson, PhD Hitesh Kapadia, DDS, PhD Yongbo (Bob) Lu, MD, PhD Gabriele Mues, MD, PhD Chunlin Qin, DDS, PhD Jayne Reuben, PhD L-Bruno Ruest, PhD
Professors, Adjunct William T. Butler, PhD David S. Carlson, PhD Edward E. Ellis, DDS Richard Finnell, PhD Eric N. Olson, PhD Kenneth E. Salyer, MD Gottfried Schmalz, DDS, PhD
Associate Professors, Adjunct Laura Mitchell, PhD Joseph Newman, PhD Fen Wang, PhD Assistant Professors, Adjunct Mohammed El-Salanty, MD, PhD Paul Ezzo, PhD David Genecov, MD Richard King, MD, PhD Mikhail Samchukov, MD Professors Emeritus Patricia Blanton, DDS Russell E. Dill, PhD Roy Dorris, PhD Loy Frazier, PhD Tommy W. Gage, PhD Clay Henry, PhD James McIntosh, PhD Edward G. Miller, Jr., PhD Alan N. Taylor, PhD Samuel Taylor, PhD Martin Wagner, PhD Thomas E. Winford, PhD
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Office Staff Marge Palma, Senior Administrative Coordinator Nancy Anthony Joyce Hahn Jeanne Santa Cruz Laboratory Staff Adriana Cavender Padmalaya Das Claudia Fernandez Tian Gao Katrina Grape Nathan Hoff Connie Kim Shannon Kramer Jan La Yucheng Li Kun Lv Kevin Spain Leslie Smith Yao Sun Jo Taylor Connie Tillberg Vanessa Winger Jingfeng Wu Lilin Xiang Yixia (Anita) Xie Susan Yassin Yanping Zhang
Postdoctoral Research Associates Zheng Guo Cao, PhD Symone San Miguel, PhD Maria Serrano, DDS Yao Sun, DDS, PhD Ying Wang, DDS, PhD Xiaofang Wang, PhD Haisong Xu, MD Rong (Shelly) Zhang, PhD Qinglin Zhu, PhD
Graduate Students Julia Chang Mani Chopra Roberto Carillo Leticia Ferreira Yunlong Kang Elias Kontogiorgos Mohammed Mansour Matt McBride Hoa Nguyen Joe Rawlins Sammer Razaq Monica Prasad Pavi Pugalagiri Jyoti Puri Cara Smith Yao Sun Shankar Venugopalan Wenli Yu Uriel Zapata Dental Student Research Trainees Jonathan Blansett John Bozanich Matt Brown Ben Cozad Jacquetta Davis Jim Denton Dana Doan Jeremy Fike Jane Lee Jessica Lee Laura Mayer Niyati Mehta Megan Miller Ben Morgan Jonathan Oudin Stephan Pope Paige Priour Sam Robinson Jeremy Simmons Jonathan Stateson Aja Thompson
New Faculty
Dr. Yongbo (Bob) Lu
Yongbo (Bob) Lu, M.D., Ph.D., is the most recent faculty member to join the Department of Biomedical Sciences. He was educated at Qingdao Medical College, Shandong, China, where he earned M.D. and M.S. degrees. He was an Instructor in the Department of Medical Microbiology at the Qingdao Medical College from 1997 to 1999.
In 1999, Dr. Lu began a postdoctoral fellowship lasting until 2002 at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) in the Department of Oral Biology. He earned a PhD in that department in 2007 and then was supported by another Postdoctoral Fellowship from 2007 to 2008. His appointment as Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Dentistry became effective on January 1, 2009.
Gabriele Mues, M.D., Assistant Professor, has a wealth of research experience in molecular biology and genetics acquired in several settings. She was born and educated in Germany where she earned an M.D. degree attending the Universities of Marburg and Essen and later, a doctoral degree in academic medicine followed Dr. Gabriele Mues by a master’s degree in psychology at the University of Bochum. She passed the U.S. Medical Licensing Examinations (USMLE) 1 and 2 in 1997, and the USMLE 3 in 2003. In 2004 she was board-certified in clinical pathology by the American Board of Pathology. After interning in hospitals in Karlsruhe and in Bochum, Germany, Dr. Mues came to the United States in 1981 to work as a Research Fellow in neuropeptide research for two years at the School of Public Health at the University of California, Berkeley. From there, she moved to the north Texas area where she held several positions at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and at Baylor University Medical Center. Dr. Mues joined the Texas A&M Health Science Center
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Dr. Lu's research is mainly focused on odontogenesis, specifically on studies of the way in which cranial neural crest cells migrate to the frontonasal processes and first branchial arches, and how they interact reciprocally with the dental epithelium and differentiate into odontoblasts forming dentin. He is particularly interested in the roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, FGF signaling as well as transcription factors, Runx2 and Twist1, in odontogenesis, using a transgenic mouse model, in vitro tooth germ culture, and time-lapse imaging approaches. He believes these studies will produce further insights into the molecular mechanisms of tooth morphogenesis, and will also provide molecular clues for the screening and treatment of human genetic disease. Dr. Lu was the recipient of the Webster Jee Young Investigator Award in 2005 from the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)-International Chinese Hard Tissue Society (ICHTS). He also won the Young Investigator Award in 2006 at the ASBMR 28th Annual Meeting and the New Investigator Award at the 9th International Conference on the Chemistry and Biology of Mineralized Tissues in 2007. Dr. Lu is a co-author of 20 articles published in peer-reviewed journals; nine of these articles are first-authored or cofirst authored.
Baylor College of Dentistry in 2006 as a Research Associate I in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. She was appointed Assistant Professor in 2008. In her career, Dr. Mues has been involved in both clinical and basic research. The former encompassed studies about the diagnostic value of enzyme excretion patterns, which were conducted as part of her doctoral thesis. Later Dr. Mues concentrated on the development of clinical molecular tests such as assessment of clonality and “loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH)" in tumor cells and the evaluation of bone marrow engraftment and gene mutations in a variety of disorders. Previous basic science research included early investigations on the physiological and behavioral effects of neuropeptides followed by a shift of interest towards molecular biology and genetics with isolation and structural evaluation of several genes, including heat shock, neurotransmitter- synthesizing and radiation-induced genes. Dr. Mues' current research interests lie in the area of molecular tooth development and the genetics of tooth agenesis. Several genes which are expressed in early tooth development have been shown to carry mutations in patients with inborn missing teeth. However, for the majority of tooth agenesis patients the causative genes have not yet been identified. Identification of these genes and their functional analysis is important for genetic counseling, early diagnosis, development of optimal therapy including gene product replacement, tooth bioengineering and regeneration, and for gaining basic knowledge about tooth development in general.
Teaching Highlights
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BMS Faculty Team-Teach New D1 Course in Evidence-Based Dentistry (EBD) In April 2008, BCD received funding from the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) for an Oral Health Research Education (R25) grant application that proposed to implement a series of curricular changes collectively designated as "CUSPID" (Clinicians Using Science Produce Inspired Dentists). CUSPID outlined multi-pronged strategies for the early instruction of clinicians-in-training with the key skills required for the filtering, appraisal and synthesis of scientific information needed for clinical decisions. Specifically, CUSPID seeks to create a curricular theme throughout all four years of dental school centered on the knowledge, principles, and skills of scientific inquiry necessary for the dentist to critically evaluate new information and advances in treatment for evidencebased practice and to participate in dental practice research networks. BMS faculty, led by Dr. Paul Dechow, have been instrumental in the development of a course for first-year dental students entitled Introduction to EvidenceBased Dentistry & Clinical Research. The year-long course, which consists of large group interactive sessions and small group dis-
Dr. Paul Dechow
cussions and seminars, has two primary aims: 1) to provide a foundation of knowledge important for the effective practice of EBD; and 2) to begin to develop the practical skills needed for such practice. Foundational knowledge includes a background in applied clinical epidemiology, biostatistics, and some areas of modern dental and craniofacial research. The development of practical skills will emphasize how to evaluate clinical studies, how to formulate a focused clinical research question, and how to search the dental literature to find and evaluate evidence to answer that question. The didactic portion of the course makes generous use of audience response systems (‘clickers’) to involve students interactively in course content. The small group sessions consist of biweekly meetings of around eight students with one or two faculty to discuss an assigned paper on a clinically-relevant topic using a standardized article review format. Paper topics in the Spring semester include breastfeeding and caries, fluoride in water and hip fracture, tobacco use and tooth loss, and fluoride varnish and caries prevention. Dr. Dechow shares the course directorship with Dr. Hoda Abdellatif (Department of Public Health Sciences). Drs. Bob Hinton, Bob Hutchins, Lynne Opperman, Emet Schneiderman, and Robert Spears have assisted in the small group sessions. This course provides the foundation for additional didatic and practical experiences that will be developed in the second, third, and fourth years of the curriculum.
Dr. Williams Presented with BMS Golden Apple Educator Award Dr. Fred Williams, Associate Professor in Biomedical Sciences, was presented with the first Biomedical Sciences Golden Apple Educator Award at the D1 luncheon on August 12, 2008. The award was established by Dr. Rena D'Souza, Professor and Chair of Biomedical Sciences, to honor faculty members for excellence in basic science teaching in the biomedical sciences. Dr. Williams received a golden brass apple trophy with his name inscribed on it and $1000 to be used to travel to a professional conference on educational technology. A plaque with Dr. Williams' name on it was hung in the Blanton Conference Room and Library on the 4th floor; future award winners' names will also be inscribed on it. Dr. Williams started teaching physiology at BCD in 1972, and since then has spent hours and hours both teaching in class and meeting with students one-on-one outside of class. Just one indication of Dr. Williams' influence on students' learning is that in 27 of the last 30 years, physiology has had the highest score made by BCD students on the Part I National Board scores.
Dr. D'Souza stated, "Dr. Williams is a very special member of the Biomedical Sciences department, and we are honoring him for his many years of excellent teaching. He serves as an outstanding example to other faculty of dedication to his profession and to his students." In accepting the award, Dr. Williams said, "I am deeply honored to be chosen to receive the first Golden Apple Award, and I accept it on behalf of all my colleagues in Biomedical Sciences, who have worked very hard over the years to give the students at BCD a strong foundation in the biological sciences." Dr. Williams (middle) is pictured with Dr. D'Souza during the award presentation, along with a fellow Physiology teaching colleague, Dr. Larry Bellinger, Regent’s Professor in Biomedical Sciences and Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies.
Teaching Highlights
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New Grant Aims to Train Next Generation of Dentist-Scientist Faculty In 2008, Texas A&M Health broad areas of Science Center Baylor study include: College of Dentistry (BCD) 1) Genes and joined an elite group of Development, 19 other American dental 2) Matrix Biolschools that are recipients ogy and Tissue of highly sought-after NRSA Engineering, 3) Institutional Research TrainNeurosciences ing Grants (T32) funded by and Molecular the National Institutes of Pathology, and Health/National Institute 4) Clinical Refor Dental and Craniofasearch. Acacial Research (NIH/NIDdemic degrees CR). A total of $1.6 milwill be awardlion over a four-year grant ed primarily by period will be awarded to the Graduate BCD for the training of preSchool of Biodoctoral and postdoctoral medical Sciencstudents. These academes of the Texas Pictured are (front row): Dr. Perrie Adams, Program Co-director; Professor and Associic trainees will take adA&M Health Sciate Dean for Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas; Dr. Rena D'Souza, vantage of programs that ence Center. Program Director; Professor and Chair, BMS; Dr. Paul Dechow, Program Co-director; will prepare them to beProfessor and Director of the Graduate Program in the Biomedical Sciences; Dr. Nancy Dr. James S. come the leaders of the Street, Associate Dean, UT Southwestern Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences; Cole, Dean, next generation of dental (back row): Jeanne Santa Cruz, Program Office Administrator; Dr. Lynne Opperman, Steering Team Member; Professor, BMS; Dr. Robert Spears, Steering Team Member; AsBaylor Colacademic research facsociate Professor, BMS; Dr. Kathy Svoboda, Steering Team Member; Professor, BMS; Dr. lege of Dentistulty. “The comprehensive Larry Bellinger, Program Advisory Committee Member; Associate Dean for Research ry, stated that, T32 training grants awardand Graduate Studies "The awarding ed by NIDCR are very diffiof the T-32 grant cult to get because of the Other members of the leadership team (not pictured) are the Program Advisory Combrings a new direquirements for high-level mittee: Dr. Brad Amendt, Associate Professor, Institute for Biosciences and Technology, mension to the research and training opHouston; Dr. Charles Berry, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Dr. Ann McCann, Director of Planning and Assessment; Dr. Anthony Mikos, Professor, Rice University, Houseducation and portunities,” noted Dr. Daton; Dr. Barbara Miller, Executive Director of Admissions and Recruitment; and Dr. Milton training of stuvid Carlson, Vice President Packer, Professor and Director, Center for Biostatistics and Clinical Science, UT Southdents at Bayfor Research and Graduwestern Medical Center. lor College of ate Studies of the Texas Dentistry by ofA&M Health Science Center. “As a result, the T32 awards ac- tee and a Steering Committee, com- fering them interdisciplinary training tually tend to define those dental posed of faculty from BCD, UTSW, IBT, opportunities that will open up aveschools that are the most highly re- and Rice University will assist in guid- nues leading to careers in various aspects of craniofacial research and garded as investments by the NID- ing the project. CR,” Carlson added. Included in the training opportunities academic dentistry. I congratulate Dr. D'Souza on the successful fundThe primary mission of this compre- are tracks for predoctoral students to ing of this grant and appreciate the hensive training program, entitled achieve a combined DDS/PhD de- efforts she and her colleagues have "Baylor's Scientific Training Program for gree, for DDS graduates to pursue put into garnering this highly soughtDental Academic Research Scholars: training toward a PhD in the biomed- after award for our institution." B-STARS", is to train dentist-scientists in ical sciences or an MS in clinical rethe conduct of clinically relevant oral search, and for DDS, DDS/PhD, and B-STARS is the latest in a series of preshealth research. B-STARS is directed PhD graduates to engage in post- tigious grants awarded to faculty in by Dr. Rena D'Souza, Professor and doctoral fellowship training. The stu- the Department of Biomedical SciChair of Biomedical Sciences (BMS), dents have the opportunity to work ences, BCD, by NIH/NIDCR, beginBCD, and two program co-directors, with one or more of 50 faculty men- ning with the U24 BCD Research InDr. Perrie Adams, Professor and Asso- tors from Baylor College of Dentist- frastructure Enhancement Program ciate Dean for Research, University of ry, the University of Texas Southwest- (2004-2008) spearheaded by Dr. DaTexas Southwestern Medical Center, ern Medical Center (UTSW), the Insti- vid Carlson, and an Oral Health ReDallas, and Dr. Paul C. Dechow, Pro- tute of Biosciences and Technology search Education (R25) grant ("CUSfessor and Director of the Graduate (IBT), Houston (another component PID: Clinicians Using Science ProProgram in Biomedical Sciences at of the Texas A&M Health Science duce Inspired Dentists") (2008-2012) BCD. A Program Advisory Commit- Center), and Rice University. The four led by Dr. Robert Hinton.
Faculty Highlights
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Dr. Feng Invited to University of Western Australia
Dr. Opperman Attends Program at Harvard
Dr. Jian (Jerry) Feng, Professor, was invited to visit the University of Western Australia (UWA), Perth, as a Raine Visiting Professor for three weeks in March 2008. The professorship was sponsored by the Raine Medical Research Foundation and the Centre for Orthopaedic Research, School of Surgery and Pathology. Dr. Feng was one of a total of 14 visiting professors from the U.S., England, CanDr. Jerry Feng ada, and South Africa who spent a few weeks working with faculty researchers at UWA during 2008. During his visit, Dr. Feng lectured to the students, guided the graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in their research, and interacted with faculty members on several collaborative projects. Specifically, Dr. Feng gave three talks: a Raine Visiting Professor Lecture to faculty, students and staff in the School of Surgery and School of Medicine (entitled "Think Outside the Current Dogma While Doing Daily Research"), a lecture on Osteocyte Research, and a lecture on cell fate. Most importantly, Dr. Feng and Professor Ming Hao Zheng, Director of Orthopaedic Research at UWA, worked on a joint project that was recently funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NIH equivalent). Dr. Feng also spent a day at the ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Australia, where he gave a talk entitled “DMP1 Roles”.
Dr. Lynne Opperman, Professor, was selected through an application process to attend the Management Development Program at Harvard University held on June 14-28, 2008. This course is offered through the Programs in Professional Education of the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The goal of the program is to prepare participants to become better leaders in their institutions and Dr. Lynne Opperman to teach them to lead in ways that support institutional objectives. The topics covered included Fostering Innovation and Change, Diversity and Community, and Professional Renewal. In her role as Director of Technology Development, Dr. Opperman benefited from the interaction with both the Harvard faculty and the participants, who come from a broad spectrum of higher education institutions and job responsibilities. Dr. Rena D'Souza, Professor and Chair of Biomedical Sciences, believes Dr. Opperman was ideal for this program, based on her willingness and desire to take on leadership roles in the department, in BCD and the HSC. She commented, "I know Lynne contributed valuable insights in group discussions and was enriched with the new knowledge she gained through this experience. Importantly, she became a program alumnus who brought much distinction to the program."
Faculty and Staff Promotions The following members of BMS were promoted in 2008: Dr. Lynne Opperman, promoted to Professor Dr. Allen Honeyman, promoted to Associate Professor with tenure Dr. Robert Spears, promoted to Associate Professor with tenure Ms. Connie Tillberg, promoted to Research Associate Ms. Vanessa Winger, promoted to Research Associate
Congratulations to all!
BMS 2009 Faculty Retreat Dr. Charles Shuler, Dean of The Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia (UBC), will be the keynote speaker at the Biomedical Sciences’ annual retreat on April 24, 2009. The department has invited Shuler to share his experience in integrating the basic and clinical sciences, as well as leading initiatives in translational research. Prior to his appointment as Dean at UBC, Dr. Shuler held the George & Mary Lou Boone Chair and Professorship of the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, from 1995 to 2007. Dr. Shuler is now a leader in dental education, but still an active scientist, attested by his role as principal investigator in a major grant from NIDCR on the molecular mechanisms of TGF- β3 signaling in the regulation of palatal fusion. Dr. Shuler also played a major role in the development of a problem-based learning curriculum at USC and will be sharing his experience with the retreat attendees. The BMS faculty are looking forward to spending a stimulating day interacting with this distinguished colleague.
Research Highlights
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"Pathways to Excellence" Seminar Series Begins its Second Year The Department of Biomedical Sciences continued Dr. Jacques Banchereau (Baylor Institute for Immunolits seminar series called "Pathways to Excellence" durogy Research, Dallas); "Dendritic Cells in Medicine" ing 2008-2009. Notable speakers with expertise in bioDr. Martha Somerman (University of Washington School medical areas of interest were invited to present talks of Dentistry); "The Dento-Alveolar Complex: A Phosthat are open to all faculty, phate-Sensitive Tissue" staff and students at Baylor College of Dentistry. Focus Dr. Ken Hargreaves (Univergroup sessions were held in sity of Texas HSC, San Antothe afternoon on the same nio); "Pain - A TRP Through day as the invited speakthe Trigeminal System" er's talk, offering opportuDr. Charles Little (University nity for the Biomedical Sciof Kansas Medical Center, ences faculty and graduate Kansas City); "Time-Lapse students to present some asAnalysis of Vascular Patternpect of their research and to ing In Vivo - Which Cells are engage in group discussions Really Moving?" with each invited expert. The seminar is organized by Dr. Dr. Gerard Karsenty (ColumKathy Svoboda. Questions bia University Medical Cenor comments can be sent to ter, New York); "The Novel EnPathways Speaker Shi with Dr. D'Souza Dr. Svoboda at ksvoboda@ docrinology of Bone" bcd.tamhsc.edu. The 2008-2009 "Pathways to Excellence" seminar series includes the following speakers: Dr. Hiromi Yanagisawa (UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas); "Genetic Dissection of Hand Genes in Craniofacial Development" Dr. Songtao Shi (University of Southern California School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA); "Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Therapies"
Dr. Jeremy Mao (Columbia University Medical Center, New York); "Stem Cells and Dental/Facial Regeneration: Interface of Biology and Engineering" Dr. Jan Hu (University of Michigan School of Dentistry); "Genetics and Proteomics of Dental Enamel" Dr. Yang Chai (University of Southern California School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA); "Smad dependent and independent pathway in regulating craniofacial development."
BMS Interest Groups Offer In-Depth Study of Topic Areas Mineralized Tissue Interest Group The Mineralized Tissue Interest Group (MTIG) was initiated in the fall of 2007. MTIG consists of 8-9 faculty members, along with approximately 15-20 postdoctoral fellows/graduates/research associates, who are involved in studies on bone, dentin and cementum. Members of the MTIG meet at noon of every other Thursday (twice a month). The major objectives of MTIG include: 1) to train junior investigators (postdoctoral research fellows/graduates/research associates) in oral presentation and discussion, 2) to obtain insights and comments on the research projects of each principal investigator, 3) to keep investigators updated about the research field of mineralized tissues, 4) to teach techniques in mineralized tissue research, 5) to enhance collaborations among research laboratories in the school as well
as in the Department of Biomedical Sciences, and 6) to broaden the knowledge of principal investigators and junior investigators. Up to February 2009, more than 20 postdoctoral research fellows/graduates/research associates had given oral presentations (sharing of their research data), and four faculty members had given seminar/journal club talks for the MTIG. The activities of MTIG have been particularly beneficial to the junior investigators who oral presentation training.
transplantation of a small region of an amphibian embryo onto a different site of a second embryo, that in a fraction of cases, developed secondary structures including a second body axis. During the 85 years hence, inductive signals and downstream pathways mediating cell fate change during development have been identified and established in different tissue contexts in model organisms and in humans. Dysregulation of the signaling pathways is often linked to cancers, other disorders and disease.
Signaling Pathways in Development and Disease Journal Club
Remarkably, development and evolution of body plans and organs require a small repertoire of signaling pathways. The "toolkit" is composed primarily of the TGF-β/BMP, Wnt, Hedgehog, FGF, EGF, TNF and retinoic acid signaling pathways, which include not only the namesake ligands, but also the receptors, modulators and cytoplasmic and
Cell-cell communication, in particular embryonic induction, plays a fundamental role throughout the development of multicellular animals. In their landmark study of 1924, Hans Spemann and Hilde Mangold were the first to observe an inductive process through
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Research Highlights
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New Discoveries and Ideas in Dentinogenesis and Osteogenesis Dr. Chunlin Qin, Assistant Professor, performs research on the mechanisms governing the formation of dentin, cementum and bone, with particular emphasis on understanding the properties, Dr. Chunlin Qin tissue/cell expression, biosynthesis, metabolic pathways and biological roles of one category of non-collagenous proteins termed the “Small Integrin-Binding LIgand, N-linked Glycoprotein” (SIBLING) family. This family includes dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and osteopontin (OPN) and are critical for the formation of dentin, cementum and bone. Dr. Qin’s research group aims to elucidate the mechanisms of how dentin, cementum and bone are formed and mineralized under normal and pathological conditions. A better understanding of these mechanisms is essential for establishing scientifically based treatment modalities for dental and skeletal diseases such as dentinogenesis imperfecta and osteoporosis. Additionally, Dr. Qin studies the mechanisms by which FAM20C, a protein whose mutations are associated with lethal osteosclerotic bone dysplasia (Raine syndrome), is involved in dentinogenesis and osteogenesis. Following is a brief summary of the major research projects currently going on in Dr. Qin’s laboratory.
in rat bone and dentin is proteolytically processed into an NH2terminal (37 kDa) fragment and a COOH-terminal (57 kDa) fragment by selective cleavage at four NH2terminal peptide bonds of aspartyl residues, and that, in addition to its core protein form, the NH2terminal fragment also occurs as a proteoglycan in bone and dentin. Based on the hypothesis that the conversion of the full-length form of DMP1 to NH2-terminal and COOH-terminal fragments is an activation step, releasing active products at the correct time and site to control the mineralization process of
1. Roles of Dentin Matrix Protein 1 (DMP1) in Biomineralization
2. Roles of Dentin Sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) in Biomineralization
In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that that DMP1 plays a crucial role in the mineralization of dentin, cementum and bone. However, details about the precise involvement of this protein in controlling the mechanisms of biomineralization are unknown. By studying DMP1 and its fragments isolated from the extracelluar matrix (ECM) of dentin and bone, Dr. Qin discovered that DMP1
DSPP in dentin and bone is proteolytically processed into an NH2-terminal fragment (DSP) and a COOHterminal fragment (DPP). This project aims to: 1) study the functions of fulllength DSPP, of DSPP with the substitution of an amino acid residue at the cleavage site, and of DSP and DPP fragments on the mineralization of dentin and bone; 2) identify molecules that interact with these DSPP
bone and dentin and that different variants of DMP1 play different roles in biomineralization, Dr. Qin performs experiments to: 1) study the effects of the processed fragments of DMP1 on mineralization; 2) elucidate the biosynthetic pathways of DMP1 and its fragments; 3) test the in vivo effects of DMP1 variants; and 4) determine which enzyme(s) is responsible for catalyzing the proteolytic processing of DMP1. The results will help determine the mechanisms governing the mineralization of dentin, cementum and bone.
variants; 3) characterize the proteoglycan form of DSP and identify the site at which the glycosaminoglycan side chain(s) is attached; and 4) study the interactions between DSPP and DMP1 variants. Successful completion of this research will provide unique insights into dentinogenesis and osteogenesis. 3. Roles of FAM20C in the Development and Mineralization of Bone and Dentin. Mutations in the FAM20C gene are associated with lethal osteosclerotic bone dysplasia (Raine syndrome). While FAM20C is expressed at a relatively high level in osteoblasts and odontoblasts, its specific roles in osteogenesis and dentinogenesis are completely unknown. Dr. Qin’s laboratory is using transgenic and conditional gene ablation approaches to study the mechanisms by which FAM20C participates in the development and mineralization of bone and dentin. It is anticipated that these studies will help to better understand the roles of FAM20C in osteogenesis and dentinogenesis as well as elucidate the pathogenesis underlining lethal osteosclerotic bone dysplasia.
Other studies being carried out in Dr. Qin’s laboratory include: Roles of phosphorylation of SIBLING family members in biomineralization; Roles of glycosylation of SIBLING family members in biomineralization; SIBLING family members and chondrogenesis and SIBLING family members and tumor metastasis to bone.
Department News
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Spotlight on Faculty: The "Evolution" of Bob Hinton Dr. Robert (Bob) Hinton followed a "long and winding road" to get to where he is today: a professor in Biomedical Sciences (BMS) who has taught many students, performed research, and given BMS a great deal of stability during periods of change. Although Dr. Hinton now teaches courses in the broad area of human anatomy (gross anatomy, head and neck anatomy, and human craniofacial development and growth), his educational background indicates that he started out in a very different field: nuclear engineering. He chose engineering because it was the era of Sputnik, when greater emphasis was being placed on the sciences in American schools; also, his father was an engineer. Dr. Hinton attended the University of Tennessee and graduated with honors with a degree in nuclear engineering. The next few years found him at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, TN, where he worked in the computing technology division, which employed computer programs to assess safe ways of handling spent nuclear fuel. Convinced by his stint at Oak Ridge that nuclear engineering was not to be his life's work, Dr. Hinton decided to switch fields to an interest developed from electives during studies for his B.S. degree: anthropology. He decided to enter a new PhD program in anthropology being offered at the University of Tennessee by Dr. Bill Bass, a world-renowned forensic anthropologist. After completing some of the course work for an advanced degree in anthropology at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Hinton transferred to the program at the University of Michigan, where he earned his M.A. (Anthropology) and Ph.D. (Biological Anthropology). His dissertation, entitled, "The Influence of Dental Function on Form of the Human Mandibular Fossa", foreshadowed his lifelong research interest in the temporomandibular joint. This achievement was followed by a three-year NIH-funded postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan Center for Human Growth and Develop-
ment and Department of Anatomy. During his postdoctoral fellowship, he met future faculty Dr. Paul Dechow (another post-doc) and Dr. Emet Schneiderman (a graduate student). His mentors for that post-doctoral fellowship were Drs. James McNamara and Dr. David Carlson, who would 10 years later come to BCD as chair of Biomedical Sciences.
given freely of his time to the department by serving on several faculty search committees, the Predoctoral Committee, and the Task Force on a new Cell/Molecular Biology course. Mostly importantly, he took on the responsibility of serving as Acting Chair of Biomedical Sciences from 2003 to 2006 and as Vice Chair from 1999 to 2003 and 2006 to 2008.
Dr. Hinton has taught in a number of courses for dental, dental hygiene and graduate students, and has served as course director of many of these. He is currently the contact PI on a Dr. Bob Hinton recently funded NIH "Research Curriculum" grant that is introducing evidence-based dentistry content throughout the four years of the DDS curriculum. He has served on many M.S. and Ph.D. committees and as a research mentor to predoctoral summer research students. His research on the development, growth, adaptation, aging and degeneration in the temporomandibular joint and other secondary cartilages has been funded by major NIH/NIDCR grants. This work produced approximately 40 peerreviewed publications and 8 book chapters.
Dr. Rena D'Souza, BMS Chair, comments that "Bob Hinton has filled many roles in this department as it has developed through the years. I know I speak for all the department personnel who are grateful for his steadfast willingness to serve as needed and for the continunity he has provided in times of change."
In addition to his teaching and research responsibilities, Dr. Hinton has been very active in institutional and professional committee work. At BCD, he has been a member of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, the Strategic Planning Committee, Promotion and Tenure Committee, several SACS accreditation-related committees, the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, and numerous other standing and ad hoc committees. Highlights of his service outside BCD include helping design the first promotion and tenure document for the new Texas A&M Health Science Center and his current service on the ADA Anatomic Sciences Test Construction Committee. He has
Although the road to a career as a faculty member in a dental school was not entirely direct, Dr. Hinton found himself in the end in a place where he has enjoyed the interaction with students and colleagues, where the department - in his words has a "congenial atmosphere and is a good size. It's big enough to do significant research but small enough where people have the opportunity to work together." He seems to have no regrets about leaving all that uranium in Oak Ridge.
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nuclear effectors that transduce the signals to influence cell fate. The Signaling Pathways in Development and Disease Journal Club provides a forum to discuss recent advances in the field, with an emphasis on craniofacial development, including bone, tooth, neural crest and palate formation. An Endnote library of original papers and reviews has been assembled to provide a framework for selection. The journal club places a premium on communication between participants, in particular, graduate students and postdoctoral trainees. Faculty help guide, but don't exclusively fuel, the discussion of the science.
Department News
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The Passing of the (Histo) Torch One of the “veterans” at Baylor College of Dentistry and one of the “rookies” are now working together in the core lab known as the Histology Service Lab.
Connie is a recent graduate of Texas A&M University (TAMU), having earned a B.S. in Chemistry. She acquired an early interest in research when a transmission electron microscope (TEM) was donated Mrs. Jo Taylor, Histologist and Laboratory Coordito her magnet high school nator, began working at in Garland, TX, a suburb Baylor College of Dentistry of Dallas. The experience in 1980 when Dr. Larry Bellshe gained learning to use inger, then Associate Prothe TEM, including making fessor in the Department of the ultra-thin specimens Physiology, hired her to set required for TEM observaup his new histology lab. tion, was a “plus” in her She had just recently comqualifications for the popleted the requirements for sition in the Service Lab. National Board certificaWhen she was a student tion in the Pathology Deat TAMU, Connie worked partment at Baylor Univerat the small animal hospisity Medical Center. Her tal, which gave her further laboratory experiences at experience in laboratothe Dental College have ry techniques. In the short had many transitions over time she has worked at the years but ultimately reBaylor College of Dentistry, sulted in the formation of she has begun to learn hisa Histology Service Lab for tology techniques such as Jo Taylor (left) & Connie Kim (right) the whole College where paraffin embedding, secin the histology lab researchers and students tioning, staining, and hard alike could come for help tissue methyl methacrylate processing. with their histology projects. Several years ago Jo began working a four-day work week and is aiming to cut back even further to two days per week once her successor, Connie Kim, Lab Technician, is completely familiar with the procedures and equipment used in the lab.
The Department of Biomedical Sciences appreciates everything that Jo has done to maintain a top-notch histology core lab facility and welcomes Connie as she trains to carry on Jo’s high standards of service.
Members of BMS Honored for Years of Service to College On January 13, 2009, seven members of the Department of Biomedical Sciences were honored by Dr. Nancy Dickey, President of the Texas A&M Health Science Center, for their years of service to Baylor College of Dentistry. Pictured with Dr. Rena D'Souza (far right), Professor and Chair, are (left to right): Dr. Brendan Wong, Associate Professor; 25 years Dr. Kathy Svoboda, Professor and Vice Chair; 10 years Dr. Charles Berry, Professor and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; 35 years Ms. Vanessa Winger, Research Associate; 5 years
Dr. Robert Hinton, Professor; 25 years
Ms. Katrina Grape, Research Assistant I; 5 years Dr. Emet Schneiderman, Associate Professor; 20 years
Publications Publications (names in bold denote BMS-affiliated personnel) Bernards MT, Qin C, Ratner BD, Jiang S. A comparison of the MC3T3-E1 adhesion properties of bone sialoprotein and bone osteopontin specifically bound to collagen I. J Biomed Mater Res A 86:779-787, 2008. Bernards MT, Qin C, Jiang S. MC3T3-E1 cell adhesion to hydroxyapatite with adsorbed bone sialoprotein, bone osteopontin, and bovine serum albumin. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 64:236-247, 2008. Bills GC, Buschang PH, Ceen R, Hinton RJ. Timing effects of growth hormone supplementation on rat craniofacial growth. Eur J Orthod 30:153-162, 2008. Chamorro MM, Regan JD, Opperman LA, Kramer PR. Effect of storage media on human periodontal ligament cell apoptosis. Dent Traumatol 24:11-16, 2008. Chen S, Chen L, Jahangiri A, Chen B, Wu Y, Chuang H, Qin C, MacDougall M. Expression and process of small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins in mouse odontoblasts. Arch Oral Biol 53:879-889, 2008. Das P, Chopra M, Sharma AC. Upregulation of myocardial syntaxin 1A is associated with an early stage of polymicrobial sepsis. Mol Cell Biochem Epub ahead of print, Nov. 2008. Datta S, Turner D, Singh R, Ruest LB, Pierce WM Jr., Knudsen TB. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in C57BL/6 mice detected through proteomics screening of the amniotic fluid. Birth Defects Res (Part A Clin Mol Teratol) 82: 177-182, 2008. Elsalanty ME, Por YC, Genecov DG, Salyer KE, Wang Q, Barcelo CR, Troxler K, Gendler E, Opperman LA. Recombinant human BMP-2 enhances the effects of materials used for reconstruction of large cranial defects. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 66:277-285, 2008. Feng JQ, Scott G, Guo D, Jiang B, Harris M, Ward T, Ray M, Bonewald LF, Harris SE and Mishina Y. Generation of a conditional null allele for Dmp1 in mouse. Genesis 46(2):87-91, 2008.
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Hoesel LM, Flierl MA, Niederbichler AD, Rittersch D,McClintock SD, Reuben JS, Pianko MJ, Stone W, Yang H, Smith M, Sarma JV, Ward PA. Ability of antioxident liposomes to prevent acute and progressive pulmonary injury. Antioxidants and Redox Signaling 10:973-981, 2008. Hu JC, Hu Y, Smith CE, McKee MD, Wright JT, Yamakoshi Y, Papagerakis P, Hunter GK, Feng JQ, Yamakoshi F, and Simmer JP. Enamel defects and ameloblast-specific expression in Enam knock-out/lacZ knock-in mice J Biol Chem 283: 10858-10871, 2008. Huang B, Maciejewska I, Sun Y, Peng T, Qin D, Bonewald L, Butler WT, Feng J, Qin C. Identification of full-length dentin matrix protein 1 in dentin and bone. Calcif Tissue Int 82: 401410, 2008. Huang B, Sun Y, Maciejewska I, Qin D, Peng T, McIntyre B, Wygant J, Butler WT, Qin C. Distribution of SIBLING proteins in the organic and inorganic phases of rat dentin and bone. Eur J Oral Sci 116:104-112, 2008. Hutchins B, Cobb S. When will we be ready for academic integrity? J Dent Educ 72:359-363, 2008. Kamiya N, Ye L, Kobayashi T, Mochida Y, Yamauchi M, Kronenberg HM, Feng JQ, Mishina Y. BMP signaling negatively regulates bone mass through sclerostin by inhibiting the canonical Wnt pathway. Development 135:3801-11, 2008. Kamiya N, Ye L, Kobayashi T, Lucas DJ, Mochida Y, Yamauchi M, Kronenberg HM, Feng JQ, Mishina Y. Disruption of BMP signaling in osteoblasts through Type IA receptor (BMPRIA) increases bone mass. J Bone Miner Res, published online, 2008. Kaplan FS, Groppe J, Shore EM. When one skeleton is enough: approaches and strategies for the treatment of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). Drug Discov Today: Ther Strategies, in press.
Fransen JN, He J, Glickman GN, Rios A, Shulman JD, Honeyman A. Comparative assessment of ActiV GP/glass ionomer sealer, Resilon/Epiphany and gutta-percha/AH plus obturation: A bacterial leakage study. J Endod 34:725-727, 2008.
Kaplan FS, Xu M, Seemann P, Connor JM, Glaser DL, Carroll L, Delai P, Fastnacht-Urban E, Forman SJ, Gillessen-Kaesbach G, Hoover-Fong J, Köster B, Pauli RM, Reardon W, Zaidi SA, Zasloff M, Morhart R, Mundlos S, Groppe J, Shore EM. Classic and atypical fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) phenotypes are caused by mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) type I receptor ACVR1. Hum Mutat Epub ahead of print, Dec., 2008.
Galler KM, Virany Y, Cavender A, Shi S, Hartgerink J, D’Souza RN. Self assembling peptide amphiphile nanofibers as a scaffold for dental stem cells. Tissue Engineering - Part A: 2008 Jul 17, PMID – 18636949.
Kaplan FS, Shen Q, Lounev V, Seemann P, Groppe J, Katagiri T, Pignolo RJ, Shore EM. Skeletal metamorphosis in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP). J Bone Miner Metab 26:521-530, 2008.
Groppe J, Hinck CS, Samavarchi-Tehrani P, Zubieta C, Schuermann JP, Taylor AB, Schwarz PM, Wrana JL, Hinck AP. Cooperative assembly of TGF-β superfamily signaling complexes is mediated by two disparate mechanisms and distinct modes of receptor binding. Mol Cell 29:157-168, 2008.
Kaplan FS, Le Merrer M, Glaser DL, Pignolo RJ, Goldsby RE, Kitterman JA, Groppe J, Shore EM. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 22:191-205, 2008.
Commented on by: Massagué, J. A very private TGF-β receptor embrace. Mol Cell 29: 149 – 150, 2008. Gough, N.R. Monogamy in the TGF-β receptor relationship. Science Signaling 1: 46, 2008. Montoya, M. Signaling distinctions. Nat Struct Mol Biol 15: 227, 2008.
Kramer PR, Guan G, Zhou J, Hu Z, Bellinger LL. Selective blockade of the rat brain aqueduct with thermogelling hydrogel nanoparticle dispersion. Physiol Behav 93:546-552, 2008. Larmas M, Ma D, Barragan-Adjemian C, Xie Y, Lu Y, Bonewald LF, and Feng JQ. Pre-odontoblasts, odontoblasts, or "odontocytes". J Dent Res 87: 198-199, 2008. Liu S, Zhou J, Tang W, Menard R, Feng JQ, Quarles LD, Pathogenic role of Fgf23 in Dmp-1 null mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 295 (2): E254-61. Maciejewska I, Qin D, Huang B, Sun Y, Mues G, Svoboda K, continued page 12
Publications & Grants
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Bonewald LF, Butler WT, Feng JQ, Qin C. Distinct compartmentalization of dentin matrix protein 1 fragments in mineralized tissues and cells. Cells Tissues Organs. Published online August 13, 2008; 189:186-191.
Woods PW, Buschang PH, Owens SE, Rossouw PE, Opperman LA. The effect of force, timing, and location on bone-toimplant contact of miniscrew implants. Eur J Orthod Epub ahead of print, December 2008.
Maciejewska I, Cowan C, Svoboda K, D'Souza R, Butler WT, Qin C. The NH2-terminal and COOH-terminal fragments of dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) localize differently in the compartments of dentin and growth plate of bone. J Histochemistry & Cytochemistry, Epub ahead of print, Oct. 14, 2008.
Yao Z, Xiang L, Qin C, Schwarz EM, Boyce BF. Osteoclast precursor interaction with bone matrix induces osteoclast formation directly by an IL-1-mediated autocrine mechanism. J Biol Chem 283:9917-9924, 2008.
Muhney KA, Gutmann ME, Schneiderman E, DeWald JP, McCann A, Campbell PR. The prevalence of academic dishonesty in Texas dental hygiene programs. J Dent Educ 72:12471260. Naidu A, Dechow PC, Spears R, Wright JM, Kessler HP, Opperman LA. The effects of bisphosphonates on osteoblasts in vitro. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Path Oral Radiol Endod 106:513, 2008. Nicolella DP, Feng JQ, Moravits DE, Bonivitch AR, Wang Y, Dusecich V, Yao W, Lane N, Bonewald LF. Effects of nanomechanical bone tissue properties on bone tissue strain: Implications for osteocyte mechanotransduction. J Musculoskelet Neuronal Interact 8(4): 330-331. Peng T, Huang B, Sun Y, Lu Y, Bonewald LF, Chen S, Butler WT, D’Souza R, Qin C. Blocking of proteolytic processing and deletion of glycosaminoglycan side chain of mouse DMP1 by substituting critical amino acid residues. Cells Tissues Organs 2008 Aug 14, PMID -18698130. Por YC, Barcelo CR, Salyer KE, Genecov DG, Troxel K, Gendler E, Elsalanty ME, Opperman LA. Bone generation in the reconstruction of a critical size calvarial defect in an experimental model. J Craniofac Surg 19:383-392, 2008. Rawlins JT, Fernandez CR, Cozby ME, Opperman LA. Timing of Egf treatment differentially affects Tgf-beta2 induced cranial suture closure. Exp Biol Med 233:1518-1526, 2008. Rawlins JT, Opperman LA. Tgf-beta regulation of suture morphogenesis and growth. Front Oral Biol 12:178-196, 2008. Rios HF, Ma D, Xie Y, Giannobile WV, Bonewald LF, Conway SJ, and Feng JQ. Periostin is essential for the integrity and periodontal ligament function during occlusal loading. J Periodontology 79:1480-1490, 2008. Shibata S, Baba O, Oda T, Tamaki T, Qin C, Butler WT, Sakakura Y, Takano Y. An immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study of the pericellular matrix of uneroded hypertrophic chondrocytes in the mandibular condyle of aged c-src-deficient mice. Arch Oral Biol 53:220-230, 2008. Svoboda KKH, Fishman DA, Gordon MA. The embryonic chick corneal epithelium: A model system for exploring cellmatrix interactions. Develop Dynamics 237:2667-2675, 2008. Svoboda KKH, Gordon MA. A tribute to Elizabeth D. Hay 1927-2007. Develop Dynamics 237:2605-2606, 2008. Venugopalan SR, Amen MA, Wang J, Cavender AC, D’Souza RN, Akerlund M, Brody SL, Hjalt TA, and Amendt BA. Novel expression and transcriptional regulation of FoxJ1 during oro-facial morphogenesis. Human Molecular Genetics 17:3643-54, 2008. Wang Y, Wu H, Wu J, Zhao H, Zhang X, Mues G, D’Souza RN, Feng H, Kapadia H. Identification and functional analysis of two novel PAX9 mutations. Cells Tissues Organs Epub Aug. 14, 2008. PMID -18701815.
Ye L, Zhang S, Ke H, Bonewald L, and Feng JQ. Periodontal breakdown in the Dmp1 null mouse model of hypophosphatemic rickets. J Dent Res 87:624-629, 2008 (rapid communication). Yu W, Svoboda KKH. The role of Twist during palate development. Develop Dynamics 237:2716-2725, 2008. Yuan B, Takaiwa M, Clemens TL, Feng JQ, Kumar R, Rowe PS, Xie Y, and Drezner MK. Bone is the physiologically relevant site of the PHEX/Phex mutation in X-linked hypophosphatemia. J Clin Invest 118(2): 722-734, 2008. Grants (unless otherwise noted, dollar amounts are total costs) Bellinger L, Kramer P (Co-I), Grogan D (Collaborator), Hutchins R (Collaborator), Spears R (Collaborator). Sex steroids, and TMJ pain, NIH/NIDCR R01 DE016059-0, 2005-2009, $1,500,000. Carlson DS, Svoboda, KKH (Co-PI), D’Souza RN, Kapadia H, Ruest LB, Qin C, Feng JQ (Program Faculty) BCD research infrastructure enhancement program, NIH U24 DE16472, 2004-2008, $2,900,000. Dechow PC. Integrative analysis of hominid feeding biomechanics; NSF, 2007-2012, $218,752. Dechow PC. Scanco VivaCT 40 high speed micro computed tomography system, NIH, 2008-2010, $345,000. Dechow PC. Nguyen H (fellow). Individual predoctoral dental scientist fellowship, NIH/NIDCR F30 DE16179-01, 2004-2009, $161,490. Dechow PC. (Mentor/BCD Representative), Bellinger L, D’Souza RN, Hinton R, Opperman LA, Svoboda K (Mentors). UT Southwestern clinical science scholars program, K12 HD052225-01, 2005-2010, $9,700,000. D'Souza RN (PI), Mues G (Co-I), Kapadia H (Co-I). Signaling mechanisms in early tooth development. NIH/NIDCR, 20082010, $1,465,000. D’Souza RN. Regulation of Runx2 function by Twist-1 in tooth development, NIH/NIDCR 2 R01 DE-013368, 2006-2010, $1,068,532. D'Souza RN, Co-directors: Dr. Paul Dechow and Dr. Perrie Adams. B-STARS: Baylor's Comprehensive Research Training (T32) Program for Dentist-Scientists, 1 T32 DE018380-01A1, 2008-2012, $1,600,000. Hartgerink J (PI), D'Souza RN (Co-PI). Self-assembling peptide-amphiphile nanofibers as a scaffold for dental stem cells, Alliance for Nano Health Seed Grant, 2006-2008, $350,000. Feng J. Roles of DMP1 in mineralization, NIH/NIAMS, 20042009, $198,000 (annual direct). Feng J. DMP1 mutations: Defects in odontogenesis, NIH-NIDCR R01, 2008-2013, $232,500 (annual direct). continued page 13
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Grants & Invited Presentations
Feng J. Effects of mechanical strain on osteocyte function, NIH/NIAMS, 2006-2011, $110,000 (annual direct). Feng J. Disturbance of phosphate homeostasis changes in osteocyte morphology and function, Genzyme Renal Innovations Program, 2008-2011, $50,000 (annual total). Groppe J. Structural basis of ACVR1 dysregulation in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. The Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders, UPenn School of Medicine, 2006-2010; $50,000 (annual direct). Groppe J. Mechanisms of BMP receptor kinase dysregulation in skeletal dysplasias. NIH/NIAMS 1 R03 AR056838-01, 2008-2011, $219,750. Hinton RJ, Opperman LA (Co-I), Svoboda K (Co-I). Regulation of mandibular condylar cartilage growth, NIH/NIDCR, 2003-2008, $800,000. Hinton RJ (Co-PI), Berry C (Co-PI), Dechow P (Collaborator); D'Souza R (Collaborator), Bellinger L (Collaborator). CUSPID: Baylor's Oral Health Research Education Grant, NIH/NIDCR, 2008-2012, $600,000. Kramer PR. Intra-articular TMJ injection study of microbeads. Appian Labs, 2008-2009, $50,000. Opperman LA, Dechow PC (Co-I). Improved bone transport reconstruction plate. NIH/NIDCR R43 DE017259-01, 20072008, $98,918. Opperman LA, Spears R (Co-I), Kerns D (Collaborator). Osseoinductive surface treatment for dental implants. NIH/ NIDCR SBIR R44 DE15893-01, 2007-2009, $242,862. Qin C. Studies of proteins involved in dentinogenesis. NIH/ NIDCR R01, 2004-2009, $981,170. Qin C. DMP1 mutations: Defects in odontogenesis. NIH/NIDCR R01, 2008-2013, $225,000 (annual direct). Reuben J. TAMHSC Research Development Grant, 20062008, $15,000. Ruest LB. Patterning genes of upper jaw development. Cleft Palate Foundation, 2007-2008, $10,000. Ruest LB. Identification of the elements regulating Ednra expression in neural crest cells. TAMHSC Research Development Grant, 2007-2008, $15,000. Schneiderman E. Long-term outcomes of unilateral cleft-lip and palate repair with and without team-care. World Craniofacial Foundation, 2008-2009. Svoboda K. Regulation of EMT during palate development. March of Dimes, 2006-2009, $250,800. Svoboda K. Nicotine effects on gingival fibroblast wound healing. TAMHSC Research Deveopment Grant, 2006-2008, $15,000. Svoboda K, Opperman LA. Antioxidant effects on gingival fibroblast proliferation, migration and apoptosis in vitro. Russell Moon project, 2008-2009, $23,000. Invited Presentations D'Souza R. Adventures from the clinic to the bench and back to the clinic. Plenary lecture, XV Research Meeting, University of Sao Paulo School of Dentistry, Sao Paulo, Brazil; May 2008.
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D'Souza R. Novel hydrogel systems for tissue regeneration. Keynote presentation, Technology Exchange Seminar, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Piscataway, NJ; May, 2008. D'Souza R. Presentation on nanotechnology and tissue engineering research, Alliance for Nanohealth, Department of Defense, Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center, Frederick, Maryland; August 2008. D'Souza R. Invited lecture, Short Course on Tissue Engineering, Rice University, Houston, August 2008. Feng J. Thinking beyond the dogma. University of Western Australia, Perth; March 2008. Feng J. DMP1 roles. ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Australia; March 2008. Feng J. Imaging cell processes in hard tissues. 37th Annual Meeting & Exhibition of the American Association for Dental Research, Dallas, TX; April 2008. Feng J. Osteogenesis and angiogenesis. Experimental Biology Annual Meeting, San Diego, CA; April 2008. Feng J. BMP receptor 1A controls the fate of osteoblasts negatively, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas; July 2008. Feng J. Roles of osteocytes in mineralization and phosphate homeostasis. International Symposium on New Frontiers of Skeletal Research, Chongqing, China; October 2008. Feng J. In vivo knockdown of GEP, a novel growth factor in cartilage, led to defects in cartilage and osteoarthritis. International Symposium on New Frontiers of Skeletal Research, Chongqing, China; October 2008. Feng J. BMP and β-catenin determine the fate of bone and tooth during development. International Conference on Frontiers of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Beijing, China; November 2008. Feng J. Osteocytes and kidneys. Annual Meeting of American Society of Nephrology, Philadelphia, PA; November 2008. Feng J. What and how we use genetically engineered mice. University of Texas at Dallas; December 2008. Groppe J. BMP and TGF-β signal transduction, inhibition and dysregulation: Unanticipated mechanisms revealed by structures of protein-protein complexes. TAMHSC/College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Kingsville; February 2008. Groppe J. Homology modeling and crystal structure determination of BMP receptor kinases. 37th Annual Meeting of the AADR, Craniofacial Biology Symposium, Dallas; April 2008. Groppe J. Cooperative assembly of BMP and TGF-β signaling complexes. 7th International Conference on Bone Morphogenetic Proteins, Lake Tahoe; July 2008. Groppe J. Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. 5th Congress of the International Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation, Ft. Worth, TX; September 2008. Groppe J. BMP and TGF-β signal transduction, inhibition and dysregulation: Unanticipated mechanisms revealed by structures of protein-protein complexes. University of North Texas HSC, Dept. of Cell Biology & Genetics, Ft. Worth, TX; December 2008. continued page 14
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Invited Presentations & Leadership
Hinton R. Differential gene expression in the perichondrium of the neonatal mouse temporomandibular joint. COAST Orthodontic Foundation, Pacific Grove, CA; September 2008. Opperman L. Technology transfer and the student inventor. 26th Annual Dental Science Symposium at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; April 2008. Qin C. Non-collagenous proteins in dentinogenesis and osteogenesis, Jilin University School of Dentistry Seminar Series, Changchun, China; July 2008. Qin C. Studies of dentinogenesis using modern molecular approaches - transgenic and knockout methodology. Wuhan University School of Dentistry Special Seminar, Wuhan, China; July 2008. Spears R. Contributions of the sympathetic nervous system to TMJ pain; Moyer's Symposium at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor; February 2008. Svoboda KKH. Current evidence for EMT during palate development. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition meeting, Cold Spring Harbor, NY; March 2008. Svoboda KKH. Visualizing palate fusion and exploring the roles of regulatory proteins. Society of Craniofacial Genetics, Philadelphia, PA; November 2008. Svoboda KKH. Protect your baby - environmental risk factors for cleft palate. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University Pharmacy School; September 2008. Leadership D'Souza R. Member, NIDCR National Advisory Dental and Craniofacial Research Council (term of appointment: 2008 to 2012). D'Souza R. Board-appointed member Scientific Program Committee, American Association for the Advancement of Science (term of appointment: 2009-2012). D'Souza R. Member, International Association for Dental Research Regional Development Committee (term of appointment: 2009-2012). D'Souza R. Nominated as Scientific Liaison to Peer Review Working Group of the Advisory Committee to the Director, National Institutes of Health. D'Souza R. Member, Program Advisory Committee, Texas Institute of Genomic Medicine (Director: Dr. Richard Finnell).
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D'Souza R. Member, Science Information Committee, AADR, 2007-2010. D'Souza R. Member, Program Advisory Board, Comprehensive Research Training Program (T32), University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor (PI and Program Director: Dr. Paul Krebsbach); 2006-2011. D'Souza R. Member, Program Advisory Board, Comprehensive Research Training Program (T32), University of Pittsburgh, School of Dental Medicine (PI and Program Director: Dr. Mark Mooney); 2006- . D'Souza R. Councilor for Pulp Biology Group, AADR and IADR; 2005-2008. D'Souza R. Chair, External Scientific Advisory Committee for the Northwest Alaska Center to Reduce Oral Health Disparities, Conference on Orthodontic Advances in Science and Technology, Seattle, WA. Feng J. Member, Texas A&M Health Science Center Faculty Senate; 2007-2009. Feng J. Reviewer, NIH/NIDCR Center for Scientific Review Special Emphasis Panel, Dental and Enamel: Developmental Biology. Feng J. Reviewer, NIH/DSR meeting/NIDCR Special Review Committee. Hinton RJ. Past President, Craniofacial Biology Group, International Association for Dental Research. Hinton RJ. Chair, Basmajian Award Selection Committee, American Association of Anatomists. Hinton RJ. Member, ADA Test Construction Committee (Anatomical Sciences section). Hutchins B. Member, American Dental Association, National Board Exam, Part I Testlet Committee. Hutchins B. American Dental Education Association PostChair Advisory to the Anatomical Section. Hutchins B. Commission on Dental Accreditation, Basic Science Consultant (Dental School Site Visit Team, March 2008; October 2008.) Hutchins B. ADEA symposium organizer (Academic integrity and the millennial dental student: Faculty roles and responsibilities; March 30, 2008).
D'Souza, R. Member-at-Large, AADR Publications Committee.
Kramer PR. Editorial Board Member, Open Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine.
D'Souza R. Editorial Board, Journal of Dental Research/Critical Reviews in Oral Biology and Medicine.
Kramer PR. Editorial Board Member, The Open Rheumatology Journal.
D'Souza, R. Reviewer, The Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas (TAMEST) Technology Initiatives.
Kramer PR. Member, NIH/NIDCR Study Section ZRG-1, CFSE 01S.
D'Souza, R. NIDCR/NIH Special Emphasis Panels for NIDCR Applications for Clinical and Pediatric Research Loan Repayment Programs; Conference grants (R13); Small Grants (R03) and Career Development Award (K22/23) applications.
Kramer PR. Member, NIH/NIDCR Study Section ODCS.
D'Souza R. Scientific Advisory Board and Organizing Committee, International Tooth Morphogenesis and Differentiation Conference, Zurich, Switzerland.
Opperman LA. Executive Board member, American Association of Anatomists.Â
D'Souza R. Scientific Advisory Board, Ninth International Conference on the Chemistry and Biology of Mineralized Tissues, Austin, Texas.
Kramer PR. Symposium chair, 33rd Annual Meeting of the AADR.
Qin C. Member, Ethics Committee, American Association for Dental Research. Qin C. Reviewer, NIH/NIDCR Special Emphasis Panel for Loan Repayment Applications. continued page 15
Leadership & Awards
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Qin C. Reviewer, NIH/NIDCR Dental and Enamel Special Emphasis Panel for R01 grant applications. Qin C. Chair, AADR annual meeting, Lunch and Learn session. Reuben J. Secretary-Treasurer, Dallas Chapter, AADR. Reuben J. Assistant Corresponding Secretary, Resource Committee Member, South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Club, Inc. Reuben J. Advisory Board member, FASEB/MARC. Reuben J. Diversity Award Subcommittee member, FASEB/ MARC. Reuben J. Organizer, American Society for Investigative Pathology, 8th Annual Career Development Program & Lunch: Clinically Oriented Pathology Careers for the Basic Scientist. Reuben J. Organizer, FASEB/MARC, Health Disparities in Obesity: Genetic and Therapeutic Implications Symposium. Schneiderman E. Chair, Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment Subcommittee, Dallas Arts Magnet High School (Booker T. Washington HSPVA) Site-based Management Team. Schneiderman E., Reviewer, North and Central Texas Clinical and Translational Science Initiative pilot grant award (CTSA Program).
page 15
Svoboda KKH. Editorial Board, Developmental Dynamics. Svoboda KKH. Editorial Board, Anatomical Record. Svoboda KKH. Editorial Board, The European Journal of Dentistry. Svoboda KKH. Dynamics.
Special Issue Editor, Developmental
Svoboda KKH. Member, NIH Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering Study Section. Svoboda KKH. Member, NIH Anterior Eye Disease Study Section. Awards and Honors D'Souza R. Candidate, Vice-president of American Association for Dental Research Board of Directors. Feng J. Raine Visiting Professorship, University of Western Australia; March 2008. Hinton RJ. Finalist, Baylor College of Dentistry Teacher of the Year. Reuben J. Professional Woman of the Year; South Central District, South Dallas Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. Ruest LB. Candidate, H.W., Mossman Award in developmental biology.
Spears R. Symposium chair, "Master Education Class: The Fascia", Experimental Biology meeting, San Diego; April 5-9, 2008.
Svoboda KKH. American Association of Anatomists, Past President.
Svoboda KKH. Executive Committee member, Finance Committee member, Past President, American Association of Anatomists.
Svoboda KKH. Experimental Biology Board of Directors, AAA representative.
Svoboda KKH. Ad Hoc Local Arrangements Committee, International/American Associations for Dental Research, Annual Meeting, Dallas, TX. Svoboda KKH. Experimental Biology Board of Directors, American Association of Anatomists representative; Henry Gray Award Committee Chair; Ladman Service Award Committee Chair; Honorary Membership Committee Chair.
Student Awards Chopra M. Graduate Student Travel award, 31st Annual Congress on Shock, Cologne, Germany; June 2008. Jiang B. American Society for Bone and Mineral Research Young Investigator Award. Jiang B. Web Jee Young Investigator Award.
Contacting The Department Chair’s Office
Departmental Office
Undergraduate Education
Rena N. D'Souza, DDS, PhD
Nancy Anthony
Robert Hinton, PhD
Professor and Chair
Administrative Assistant
Professor
PH: 214-828-8260
PH: 214-828-8260
Director of Predoctoral Teaching
rdsouza@bcd.tamhsc.edu
nanthony@bcd.tamhsc.edu
and Faculty Mentoring
Kathy Svoboda, PhD
Graduate Programs
Professor and Vice-Chair
Paul Dechow, PhD
PH: 214-828-8487
Professor & Graduate
Bob Hutchins, PhD
ksvoboda@bcd.tamhsc.edu
Program Director
Associate Professor
PH: 214-370-7229
Director of Instructional Technology
pdechow@bcd.tamhsc.edu
PH: 214-828-8275
PH: 214-828-8272 bhinton@bcd.tamhsc.edu
bhutchins@bcd.tamhsc.edu
Website: http://bcd.tamhsc.edu/education/bms/index.html
Away from the Office and Lab...
page page 16 1
Dr. Emet Schneiderman and family in their 1953 Studebaker Commander Coupe in their local July 4th parade. His wife, Dr. Ann McCann, also a faculty member at BCD and participant in two BMS grants, is waving.
Dr. Jerry Feng (above) pictured in Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park, Australia. The rocks behind him are just a few of the thousands of limestone formations scattered over the sand dunes in this unusual landscape.
The lovely Lily, Dr. Allen Honeyman's first grandchild.
Where Eagles Soar: Adriana Cavender's son, Thomas, 17, received his Eagle Scout rank on Oct. 18, 2008. For his project he collected over 2500 paperback books for the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Patient-Family Library in Houston.
A sampling of the beautiful flowers grown by Dr. Kathy Svoboda at her home.
Dr. Lynne Opperman practicing for a windsurfing race on Lake Phantom, Abilene, TX.
Dr. Paul Dechow in one of the kayaks he built, with his dog Puffin riding in her front seat. Note the monkey ornamentation on the deck. The picture was taken on Lime Lake in Leelanau County, Michigan (where Dr. Dechow is from).
BCD Biomedical Sciences News • Volume 3 Issue 1 • April 2009