Cell Therapy ... Coming to a Dentist Near You?

Rena D'Souza, D.D.S., Ph.D., professor of orthodontics at The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston, is embarking on a new research project aimed at alleviating the widespread and often debilitating effects of periodontal defects, also known as gum disease.

D'Souza, working with UT-Houston associate professor of endodontics and periodontics Otis Bouwsma, D.D.S., is developing a novel approach to treatment by using autologous (from the patient) cell therapy. In this pilot study, the doctors will take a tiny sample of normal tissue from the gums of patients affected by periodontal disease, and grow it out to a larger sample in the laboratory. Once the sample is the appropriate size, it will be injected into the area of the patients' mouth where the gums have receded. The injected gum tissue will then "fill in" the area, restoring adequate gum coverage to the patient without having to use donor tissue or artificial materials.

"We are very excited about this research, because it is the first time bioengineering cell growth has been used at the Dental Branch," said D'Souza. The therapy has been patented by Houston-based Isolagen Inc., which is sponsoring the research.

"The regeneration of the supporting tissues of a tooth that are damaged in the course of periodontal disease remains a major challenge for dental clinicians today," said D'Souza. "This cell therapy, when combined with proven techniques of guided tissue regeneration, is state-of-the-art technology that offers a new and exciting way to treat soft tissue defects in the oral cavity."

D'Souza's groundbreaking research has resulted in her receiving numerous awards and honors from her peers. Most recently, D'Souza was awarded the 2002 International Association for Dental Research Distinguished Scientist Award for outstanding contributions in the field of pulp biology research.

The association cited several of D'Souza's research contributions over the last decade.

"She has a leading role in developing a molecular understanding of tooth development, particularly the crucial role of factors that pattern teeth as well as those that provide cues to tooth-forming cells during development and regeneration," read the award statement. "More recently, she has applied human genetic approaches to study individuals missing several teeth. The resulting papers have been models of the application of modern genetic analyses to clinical dental problems," it concluded.

The selection committee further noted, "Dr. D'Souza has excelled as a teacher and mentor in this field and transmitted her unequalled enthusiasm to others through her leadership in the Pulp Biology Group of the International Association for Dental Research."

"Research and discovery are central to my academic life, and this award helped me develop as a clinician-scientist and form close collaborations with colleagues worldwide," she said.

"Dr. D'Souza is a giant in the dental academic world with a great talent for teaching and research," said Jeryl English, D.D.S., chairman of the UT-Houston department of orthodontics. "I really appreciate all of the great recognition she brings to our department and the dental school with her success in research."

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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