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Letra Lab
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About Letra Lab
The Letra lab focuses on understanding the genetic etiology of complex dental, oral, and craniofacial traits and conditions. Special emphasis is given to craniofacial anomalies (orofacial clefts and tooth agenesis) and oral inflammatory diseases.
The overall goal of our research is to identify genetic factors and other regulatory mechanisms leading to craniofacial anomalies and apical periodontitis. Another aspect of our research focuses on identifying potential links between oral health and overall health.
Latest News
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Lab Team
- Ariadne Letra, DDS, MS, PhD, PI
- Renato Silva, DDS, MS, PhD, PI
- Leticia Chaves de Souza, DDS, MS, PhD, Affiliated Faculty
- Lucas Courtney, DDS (PhD candidate)
- Gabriel Kowalczyk, Data Scientist
- Dominic Woods, Lab Research Technician
- Danilo Ferraz, DDS, MS, PhD Candidate
- Danny Beiersdorf, student researcher
Projects
Gene Discovery Studies of Complex Oral Traits
Nonsyndromic cleft lip/palate and nonsyndromic tooth agenesis are the most common craniofacial birth defects and impose significant esthetic, functional and psychological implications to affected individuals and families. While surgical treatment in cleft lip/palate patients occurs at a very young age, tooth agenesis has no treatment or cure, other than oral rehabilitation procedures that can only be performed at young adult age. Further, the etiology of these conditions have a strong genetic component with numerous genes reported as likely pathogenic. Individuals diagnosed with these conditions and their family members are invited to participate in our studies. Participants undergo complete clinical and radiographic examination for diagnosis and provide a saliva sample for genetic studies.
Functional Characterization of Gene Variants
To investigate the biological effects of genetic variants identified in our study participants, we perform a variety of functional characterization assays using in vitro and in vivo models. We verify the impact of genetic variants on gene expression, encoded protein function, cell migration/proliferation/differentiation, pathway activation, and protein interactions.
Molecular Basis of Pulpal and Periapical Pathosis
As an endodontist involved in clinical teaching and patient care, additional research in our lab is focused on elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms of common oral inflammatory conditions. Our laboratory has pioneered the field of genetic studies in apical periodontitis. Our work has provided paradigm-shifting evidence about the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in the pathogenesis of pulpal and periapical pathosis in humans and in animal models. These findings have the potential to be translated into clinical applications with the development of new therapies more conducive to success.
Unraveling common players in oral health-systemic health connections
Another important aspect of our research focuses on elucidating the interconectedness between oral health and systemic health, through the identification of shared genetic variation among oral and systemic health conditions. We are particularly interested in the potential connections between birth defects and cancer, and apical periodontitis with cardiovascular disease.
Publications
Contact Info & Location
Ariadne Letra, DDS, MS, PhD
Ariadneletra@pitt.edu
Bridgeside Point I, Suite 400
Salk Pavilion, Floor 4