Alexandria, Va. – Dr. Koji Nakayama, Professor and Chair of the Division of Microbiology and Oral Infection, Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology at Nagasaki University Japan Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, is the 2008 recipient of the Basic Research in Periodontal Disease Award. He will be presented with the award at the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) 86th General Session & Exhibition on July 2, 2008 in Toronto, ON, Canada. Dr. Nakayama received D.D.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Kyushu Japan University School of Dentistry, where he became a faculty member in 1981. He was a visiting scientist at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, from 1986-1988.
In 2000, Dr. Nakayama assumed his present position at Nagasaki University. Dr. Nakayama is being recognized for his work in molecular oral microbiology, particularly for his work regarding the periodontal disease pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. His work has contributed to the understanding of how this bacterial species causes periodontal disease and how it might contribute to systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Dr. Nakayama's studies have focused on genes encoding bacterial enzymes that break down proteins (proteases), on the effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis on platelet aggregation, and on the ability of this bacterium to influence the metabolism of bone. He has published more than 75 papers and reviews on these topics, and received the 2000 Rokuzo Kobayashi Memorial Award of the Japanese Society for Bacteriology.
The Basic Research in Periodontal Disease Award, which consists of a cash prize and plaque, is supported by the Colgate- Palmolive Company and is designed to recognize, encourage, and stimulate outstanding achievements in basic research in periodontal disease. It is one of the 16 IADR Distinguished Scientist Awards and 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.