Type 2 diabetes (T2D) affects approximately 8.3% of the United States population. Family history is one of the major risk factors for T2D noncoding genetic variation in the transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene is significantly associated with T2D in multiple ethnic populations, yet the biological mechanism(s) that lead to increased risk are still unclear. Evidence for involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) in regulating fasting and postprandial glucose levels continues to grow, and TCF7L2 localization in the hypothalamus suggests a potential role in glucose regulation.

Basic Research

Fundamental knowledge of the periodontium is required to develop new approaches to understand and treat this major health problem. This project is directed at understanding the role and mechanism of the Bmp2 gene and Sost gene in periodontium function. Our recent published results indicate that the mouse Bmp2 gene in stem-progenitor cells in the periodontium is required for the development of the periodontium and formation of tooth root.

Public Service

Basic Research

The survival rate for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas has not improved in more than four decades, and new approaches to treat these cancers are needed. These tumors present along the mucosal linings of the head and neck and are notably heterogeneous in regards to their prognosis and response to therapy. Unlike advances in other adult cancers, there are no predictive biomarkers to indicate the best treatment options for head and neck cancer patients.

Basic Research

The purpose of this project is to treat diabetic foot ulcers using a continuous diffusion of oxygen therapy (CDO), which will be administered using a portable device. Changes in cutaneous circulation, growth factors, and inflammatory cytokines will be evaluated before, during and after treatment with CDO. This study is being performed at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.

Combat-incurred craniomaxillofacial injuries often result in massive bone tissue loss. Standards of care such as autologous grafting have limitations including cost, availability and prolonged inpatient care.  Thus, therapeutics are needed which can not only accelerate bone regeneration, but are also readily available, cost-effective and reduce time of inpatient care.  Amnion-derived multipotent progenitor (AMP) cells secrete a variety of cytokines and growth factors which have been shown to promote bone growth.

The goal of this pilot grant is to derive iPSCs from marmosets using the retrovirus and episomal reprogramming techniques, differentiate them into neurons and develop transplantation strategy in marmoset model of Parkinson’s disease.