Dr. Tran is experienced in all three fields of research: basic science, translational research, and clinical studies. He is committed to the training of graduate and postdoctoral students in the area of stem cell biology and tissue engineering. The aim of this laboratory is to identify, isolate, and characterize post-natal stem cells of the craniofacial complex (such as salivary and periodontal stem cells). We are also working on the growth and behavior of post-natal stem cell on different 3-D tissue engineered matrices. Our hypothesis is that post-natal stem cells from one tissue (such as stem cells from the bone marrow) can differentiate into cells of another tissue (such as the salivary gland) and how to translate this phenomenon into clinically useful therapies to regenerate lost salivary gland tissue of patients experiencing the disabling effects of a dry mouth (i.e. reduced salivary secretion) due to Sjogren’s Syndrome or to the damage caused to the salivary glands following irradiation treatment for head and neck cancer. In addition to providing a new understanding of tissue dynamics in health and disease, the Tran’s laboratory presents unique possibilities for the emerging field of regenerative medicine.

Areas of expertise:
Tissue engineering
Stem cell
Saliva
Regenerative medicine
Translational research

Research areas:
Biomaterials, Nanobiotechnology and Tissue Engineering