Dr. Özlem Yilmaz' Laboratory
Medical University of South Carolina
What we are interested in
Dr. Özlem Yilmaz' laboratory's major emphasis has been on the molecular cell biology of opportunistic infections and the microbial effectors that contribute to chronic infection in the oral mucosa. The specific areas we study include subversions of host oxidative stress, autophagy and innate immune response.
Periodontal Disease
Periodontal diesease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects 47.2% of American Adults. This disease can cause severe tissue destruction and bone degradation if left untreated. Our research focuses on how pathogens within the oral cavity invade the gingiva and evade host immune response leading to chronic periodontitis
Applications
Our research focuses on how oral opportunistic bacteria exploit host cell homeostatic pathways to modulate immune response and disrupt the symbiotic balance of the oral microbes. Our research helps provide a better understanding of the early progression of periodontitis and could potentially lead to new targets for treatment.