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Oral Cell Biology

This division deals with cell and tissue biology, histological, morphometric and radiological research that are dental related. Activities within the division include teaching and multidisciplinary research. 

Teaching 

The division coordinates Anatomy course (ANAT 1002A) and is involved in teaching this course to Bachelor of Oral Health Sciences I (BOHSc I) students. This course is between Anatomy and Physiology.  

Course Code: ANAT1002A 

Course Description: Anatomy, Oral Biology and Physiology for Dental Auxiliaries 

This course covers morphological anatomy, histology and embryology. The topics covered will include basic histological cells and tissues, embryology of the early embryo (first 3 weeks of life) as well as detailed anatomy (morphological anatomy, histology and embryology) of the following regions and systems: head and neck region, nervous system, respiratory system, endocrine system and cardiovascular system. Oral Biology will include the development, structure and function of oral tissues and other structures of the head and neck, the tooth and associated tissue structure, function and development, sensory perception of the oral cavity and relevant physiological processes such as mastication and deglutition. 

Research  

Niche areas 

足球竞彩app排名 and postgraduate students (MSc, PhD & MSc Dent) conduct research in the area of oral biology using techniques such as immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, cell and tissue culture and histology to assist in studying the morphology of oral epithelial structures Also, morphometric and radiographic analytical research are conducted to analyse the variations common in the osteology of head and neck.  

Current Research projects 

  • Effects of TGF-β Signaling on MicroRNA Expression and EMT in Cancer Stem Cell Populations in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Lines 
  • Anticancer properties of indigenous South African medicinal plants and their compounds on human cancer cells. 
  • Variations associated to the topography of mental foramen in black South African population from both human dry bone and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in mandibular sample 
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