Dr. Satish Alapati of University of IL at Chicago College of Dentistry Receives Grant

CHICAGO - Feb. 28, 2014 - PRLog -- Dr. Satish B. Alapati, Assistant Professor, Endodontics, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, recently received a research grant in the amount of $21,000 in support of his research proposal, “Hypoxia-mediated discordant simulation of endothelium perturbs dental pulp stem cell differentiation, via Notch signaling,” from the American Association of Endodontists AAE Foundation.

         “This research project from our lab is an initial step for looking into understanding the role of hypoxia and ischemic events in dental pulp tissue, particularly dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) proliferation/differentiation in response to such injuries during regeneration process,” Dr. Alapati said. “The hypoxic/inflammatory environment effect on dental pulp tissue (DPSCs) is not known. Unwinding the molecular signaling pathways that are relevant for endothelial cells (ECs) and DPSCs could perhaps open critical cues for regenerative endodontic therapy.”

         Dr. Alapati added, “I am examining factors such as low tissue oxygen levels, and how they affect stem cells.”

         Dr. Alapati acknowledged contributions from collaborator Dr. Premanand Sundivakkam, graduate student Michael Boyle (MS Bioengineering), and also UIC MOST (Multidisciplinary Oral Science Training) summer research program students Chelsee Strojny and Crystal Chun.

         The AAE Foundation perpetuates excellence for the specialty of endodontics and its practitioners through support of research and education. For more information, log on to www.aae.org.