Home Department: Human Biology
Mentor: Jill Helms (Surgery - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery)

“Investigating Rodent Stem Cell Niches for Oral Health Maintenance"

Ashley’s project focuses on stem cell niches found in the junctional epithelium (JE), a constantly renewing soft tissue barrier around teeth that protects them from periodontal disease. Our current understanding of dental stem cells is mainly derived from research conducted on continuously growing rodent incisors, and this knowledge has had a profound impact on understanding the role of stem cells in patients. Ashley will use genetic methods to lineage-trace stem cells and their progeny within the JE, which in turn will provide insights into new methods to treat human oral diseases like gingivitis and periodontal disease.