Research on differentiation of hard tissuess

Research aims to clarify the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the determination of the shape, number and final morphology of the teeth and a functional complex with the adjacent bone tissue. One of the research directions in this area relates to the current 3D view morphogenesis crown and root of the tooth around the time of the eruption in its final anchoring the jaw. Simultaneously monitored candidate molecules and pathways participating in the definition of the space for the tooth and bone growth in the tooth, but also the bone remodeling. 

 Research on successor dentition

Development of successor dentition is currently monitored by representatives of reptiles and mammals, which have the ability to replace teeth once or several times in a lifetime. Research in reptiles is particularly important because it opens the possibility to compare the significant processes and signaling pathways that lead to species-specific characteristics in the building face. The aim of this research is to find any homology between the reptilian and mammalian mechanisms of complex shape and tooth replacement dentition. 

 Research on face

The current objective of this research is a detailed gene expression analysis of craniofacial structures in the early stages of embryonic development under normal and experimental conditions. It is used in ovo model which can chicken embryos easy to manipulate and observe the effect on the development of facial parts, especially beak. 

 Research on the development of limb

Limb development is an important feature of the external embryonic development. Separation of the toes is also the best known example of programmed cell death (apoptosis). The research is focused not only on aspects of death interdigital segments, but also other tissue differentiation fingers and the entire limb. 

Clinical context

Knowledge of developmental mechanisms that are involved in morphogenesis and remodeling of hard tissues, in addition to basic research is important in clinical applications of molecular dentistry. Research on models with multiple generations of teeth can also be easily extrapolated to the two-generation human dentition. This research also seeks the molecular basis of tooth agenesis (hypodontia) and diagnostic possibilities of these disorders. One of the areas of research relates to the stem cells with applications in procedures replace natural dentition using tissue engineering.

Adress:

ÚŽFG AV ČR, v.v.i.
Laboratory of Animal Embryology
Veveří 97
602 00 Brno 2
Czech republic