Alexandria, Va. – The 2008 Pulp Biology and Regeneration Award is being presented to Dr. Anne George from the University of Illinois, College of Dentistry in Chicago. The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) will present the award at its 86th General Session & Exhibition in Toronto, ON, Canada on July 2, 2008.
Dr. George has been working in the area of odontogenesis for the past 14 years. Her expertise in the area of mineralized tissue research is well-recognized by the international scientific community. Dr. George was instrumental in cloning the dentin matrix protein 1 gene (DMP1) from the mineralized dentin matrix of rats; now known to be present in the mineralized tissues. Functional studies have shown that DMP1 is an important protein responsible for the regulation of biomineralization in bones and teeth. Specifically, DMP1 could function both as a signaling molecule as well as for controlled nucleation of the hydroxyapatite phase in the extracellular matrix.
Dr. George's collective work has added significant knowledge to the field of dentin matrix biology and is critical to our understanding of the pathogenesis underlying several disorders of the dentin-pulp complex. She is also an active mentor and has served in leadership roles in organizing international symposia and meetings.
The IADR Pulp Biology and Regeneration Award is supported by L.D. Caulk DENTSPLY International and consists of a cash prize and plaque. The award recognizes, encourages, and stimulates outstanding research contributions in the field of pulp biology and is one of the 16 IADR Distinguished Scientist Awards. This award is one of the highest honors bestowed by the IADR.
About the International Association for Dental Research
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) is a non-profit organization with more than 10,500 individual members worldwide, dedicated to: (1) advancing research and increasing knowledge to improve oral health, (2) supporting the oral health research community, and (3) facilitating the communication and application of research findings for the improvement of oral health worldwide.
To learn more about the IADR, visit www.iadr.org.