William H. Bowen, Ph.D., D.Sc.
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Contact
University of Rochester
School of Medicine and Dentistry
601 Elmwood Ave, Box 611
Rochester, New York 14642
Office: 585 275-0772
Lab: 585 275-1436
Fax: 585 276-0190
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.
Current Appointments
- Professor Emeritus - Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Oral Biology (SMD)
- Professor Emeritus - Department of Environmental Medicine (SMD)
| Education | ||
|---|---|---|
| DSc Dentistry, All Other | Ireland-National U of Ireland | 1974 |
| PhD Dentistry, All Other | UK-U London Fac Med | 1965 |
| DMSc Dentistry, All Other | Univ Rochester Sch Med/Dent | 1959 |
| Post-Doctoral Training & Residency | |
|---|---|
| Sir Wilfred Fish Fellow in Odontology, Royal College of Surgeons of England, London | 1969 - 1973 |
| Senior Research Fellow, Royal College of Surgeons of England | 1965 - 1969 |
| Nuffield Foundation Fellow, Royal College of Surgeons of England | 1962 - 1965 |
| Quinten Hogg Fellow, Royal College of Surgeons of England | 1959 - 1962 |
| Research Fellow, Eastman Dental Center, Rochester, NY | 1956 - 1959 |
Lab Description
Saliva Glucosyltransferase Interactions on Surfaces.
| Recent Journal Articles |
|---|
| Showing the 5 most recent journal articles. (245 available) |
| Duarte S; Klein MI; Aires CP; Cury JA; Bowen WH; Koo H. "Influences of starch and sucrose on Streptococcus mutans biofilms." Oral microbiology and immunology. 2008; 23(3):206-12. |
| Vacca Smith AM; Scott-Anne KM; Whelehan MT; Berkowitz RJ; Feng C; Bowen WH. "Salivary glucosyltransferase B as a possible marker for caries activity." Caries research. 2007; 41(6):445-50. Epub 2007 Sep 07. |
| Duarte S; Rosalen PL; Hayacibara MF; Cury JA; Bowen WH; Marquis RE; Rehder VL; Sartoratto A; Ikegaki M; Koo H. "The influence of a novel propolis on mutans streptococci biofilms and caries development in rats." Archives of oral biology. 2006; 51(1):15-22. Epub 2005 Jul 28. |
| Koo H; Nino de Guzman P; Schobel BD; Vacca Smith AV; Bowen WH. "Influence of cranberry juice on glucan-mediated processes involved in Streptococcus mutans biofilm development." Caries research. 2006; 40(1):20-7. |
| Koo H; Seils J; Abranches J; Burne RA; Bowen WH; Quivey RG. "Influence of apigenin on gtf gene expression in Streptococcus mutans UA159." Antimicrobial agents and chemotherapy. 2006; 50(2):542-6. |
