The 2007 Award for Basic Research in Biological Mineralization will be presented today by the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) to Dr. James P. Simmer, Professor, Department of Biologic and Materials Sciences, at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, USA.
Dr. Simmer is being honored for his many significant research contributions to the field of biomineralization, and, in particular, for his investigations on the cell and molecular biology of tooth enamel formation. Early in his career, in studies on the proteins guiding tooth enamel development and maturation, he made significant observations on the alternative splicing of amelogenin RNA transcripts, and he expressed and characterized recombinant amelogenin (AMELX) protein. In later years, his work revolved around the evolution of enamel proteins. These basic science advances led directly to improvements in our understanding of the genetic etiologies of inherited enamel defects grouped under the designation of amelogenesis imperfecta.
Dr. Simmer's laboratory was the first to report a disease-causing mutation in human MMP20. Two of his papers have won the IADR/AADR William J. Gies award (in 2000 and 2004). Dr. Simmer is an author on six of the 36 most-cited papers in the history of the Journal of Dental Research, dating back to approximately 1955. Most recently, Dr. Simmer’s group has concentrated on tooth dentin. Their isolation and characterization of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP)-derived proteins (DSP, DGP, and DPP) have pushed our understanding of these important proteins to new levels.
The IADR Basic Research in Biological Mineralization Award, supported by Unilever Oral Care Division and consisting of a cash award and a plaque, is designed to stimulate, encourage, and recognize basic research in the field of biological mineralization. As one of the Distinguished Scientist Awards conferred annually by the IADR, it represents the highest honor the IADR can bestow. It will be presented today during the Opening Ceremonies of the IADR’s 85th General Session, convening at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.