Course summary

Our PhD/MPhil Basic Dental Sciences programme enables you to undertake a research project that will improve understanding of Basic Dental Sciences. Basic dental sciences is a large area covering craniofacial genetics, stem cell biology and craniofacial development. Craniofacial genetics We aim to understand the normal developmental mechanisms underlying craniofacial morphogenesis and how these are disturbed in a variety of birth defects. Group research has identified genetic mutations underlying craniofacial malformations, including Treacher Collins syndrome, Van der Woude syndrome, amelogenesis imperfecta, and dentine dysplasia. These findings have contributed to quality-of-life improvements as they have impacted directly on clinical management of affected families by providing the basis for genetic counselling internationally. Stem cell biology We use human embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and cancer-derived stem cells (CSCs) to study the function of adhesion molecules in development, tumorigenesis and cancer cell metastasis. The group has demonstrated that ESC differentiation is associated with an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) event that exhibits striking similarities to tumour cell metastasis. The Ward group is based in state-of-the-art laboratories that include a dedicated facility for the derivation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). Craniofacial development We study the regulation of gene expression in cranial neural crest development and differentiation. Changes in gene expression instruct the formation of organs and body parts during development and are mainly regulated at the transcriptional level. The group has made important contributions to the understanding of the gene regulatory networks that control the formation of diverse cranial neural crest derivatives, including the middle and outer ear and the heart circulation.