Postgraduate research opportunity
IGF axis regulation of matrix mineralisation of dental stem cell populations
- UK/EU/International: Worldwide (International, UK and EU)
- Type of project: Self-funded PhD projects
- Deadline: Please contact us for further details
- Supervisor(s):
Dr James Beattie
Dr Reem El-Gendy
Dr Josie Meade
Project description
Project Summary
The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis is comprises two polypeptide growth factors (IGF-1 and IGF-2), two cell surface receptors (IGF-1R and IGF-2R) and six high affinity, soluble binding proteins (IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, IGFBP-3, IGFBP-4, IGFBP-5 and IGFBP-6) The IGF axis is known to play a role in the differentiation of stem and progenitor cells into skeletal and dental mineralized tissue. This molecular axis is also involved in induction of enamel bio-mineralization, differentiation of dental pulp cells and reparative dentinogenesis. IGF-1 is important for osteogenesis, and when delivered by liposomes into the tooth socket it enhanced deposition of osteodentin-like matrix around dental implants in combination with calcium hydroxide IGF-1 in combination with platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) and calcium hydroxide, improve healing of apical tooth perforations in a canine model Further evidence suggested that IGF-1 regulates the balance between odontogenesis and osteogenesis in apical papilla stem cells IGF-1 is expressed by dental pulp cells and enhances odontogenic differentiation and deposition of extracellular matrix IGF-2 is also expressed by dental pulp cells at both gene and protein levels, although its function in this tissue is still largely unknown IGF-1R showed higher expression in teeth with incomplete root development, suggesting the role of IGF-1 in root development IGFBP-1, -3, -5, and -6 have also been detected in DPSCs isolated from healthy premolars and third molars. .Despite the presence of IGFBPs in dental pulp cells the role of these proteins in the regulation of phenotype during differentiation of these cells is largely unknown. This project aims to examine both the IGF-dependant and IGF independent functions of IGFBP species in this tissue culture model with a special emphasis on the intracellular signalling mechanisms which may be involved in such actions.
Entry requirements
Please contact our staff for further details about entry requirements.
How to apply (email)
How to apply (phone)
+44 (0)113 343 7497