The stem cell microenvironment involves multiple intercellular communication signals, i.e. growth factors, cytokines and chemokines, tissue liquids including blood, saliva or dental sulcus fluid, as well as pharmaceuticals and chemicals dissolved from dental repair materials. Our focus is to identify relevant factors that govern the behavior both of oral tissue cells and stem cells, and also to test the biocompatibility of dental materials in terms of cell responses. Such knowledge is important for the clinically motivated material choice and specific application. In addition, these insights will provide a platform for the design of new materials intended both for oral tissue regeneration and repair.

Publications

Proksch S, Strobel SL, Vach K, Abouassi T, Tomakidi P, Ratka-Krüger P, Hellwig E (2014). Melatonin as a candidate therapeutic drug for protecting bone cells from chlorhexidine damage. J Periodontol, 2014;85(12):e379-e389

Altmann B, Rabel K, Kohal RJ, Proksch S, Tomakidi P, Adolfsson E, Bernsmann F, Palermo P, Fürderer T, Steinberg T (2017). Cellular transcriptional response to zirkonia-based implant materials. Dent Mater 33(2):241-255

Proksch S, Steinberg T, Keller C, Wolkewitz M, Wiedmann-Al-Ahmad M, Finkenzeller G, Hannig C, Hellwig E, Al-Ahmad A (2012). Human saliva exposure modulates bone cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro. Clin Oral Invest 16(1):69-77