UCL CENTRE FOR MATERIALS RESEARCH

Research Summary

Dr Brett's research interests fall into two broad areas Genetics of complex diseases and Genomics. The work into the genetic susceptibility to periodontal diseases is producing some world leading results implicating gene polymorphisms in the IL-6 gene with susceptibility to both Localised Aggressive and Chronic periodontal diseases, we have shown the association between IL-6 genotypes and the susceptibility to develop periodontal disease in both Caucasians and a rural Indian population; the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the mouth; the severity of symptoms; and the association of systemic serum levels of IL-6 in response to inflammatory stimuli; also the restoration of arterial elasticity after periodontal therapy reducing the systemic levels of IL-6. I also have collaborations with Manchester and Leeds Universities investigating the aetiology of Papillon-Lefèvre Syndrome, a syndrome that causes a very aggressive early onset form of periodontal disease.

The genomic work revolves around osteoblast and stromal cell interactions on titanium implant surfaces. Dr Brett has developed a research programme examining, both in vivo (with Prof. Donos) and in vitro, bone and stromal cell interactions to titanium implant surfaces. We have used microarrays (Affymetrix) for expression profiling work to examine cell interaction at a molecular level in both in vivo and in vitro models. Dr Brett has strong collaborative links with Institut Straumann AG (CH)a major manufacturer of implants. Further to this work an interesting phenomenon has been discovered on the selection of osteogenic stem cells from the heterogeneous population of adult stem cells resident in bone marrow. This phenomenon lends itself to the selection of osteogenic stem cells from a variety of tissues (blood; adipose; bone marrow etc) for expansion in bioreactors for use in regenerative/repair procedures for bone defects or even the coating of implants for enhanced osseointegration. I am currently seeking collaborators/funding for the development of this area.