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Ph.D. (1965)
University of London
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William
H. Bowen, B.D.S., Ph.D.
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Research:
Saliva Glucosyltransferase Interactions on Surfaces. |
Contact
Information:
E-Mail: William_Bowen@urmc.rochester.edu |
University of Rochester
School of Medicine and Dentistry
601 Elmwood Ave, Box 611
Rochester, New York 14642
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KMRB, G-9637
Phone: 585) 275-0772
Fax: (585) 276-0190 |
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Research
Overview
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Our
research is focused on the molecular mechanisms involved in
the colonization of surfaces by microorganisms. We are particularly
interested in a group of enzymes, the glucosyltransferases,
formed by oral streptococci, and which form glucan from sucrose.
These enzymes have distinct properties on surfaces compared
with those observed when the enzymes are in solution. For example,
glucan with a distinct structure may be formed on a surface
compared with the product formed by the same enzyme in solution.
Thus highly specific binding sites for bacteria may be formed
on a surface.
In addition, we are exploring the influence of low molecular
weight oligosaccharides on the formation of glucan by glucosyltransferases.
The use of food preservatives has increased enormously over
the past several decades. They behave chemically in many respects
much like fluoride. We are also exploring the influence of common
food preservatives on the development of caries. |
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Recent Publications
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Click
 to
see publications by Dr. Bowen indexed in the National Library
of Medicine's PubMed database.
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