Malcolm L. Snead

D.D.S., Ph.D.

Professor

School of Dentistry
Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology

Dr. Snead is interested in the role of amelogenin protein as a regulatory molecule for hydroxyapatite crystal formation in developing enamel. I collaborate with Dr. Michael Paine and Drs. Fincham and Oldak on this work, in which we have identified domains that specify protein to protein interactions required for organic matrix assembly into an extracellular matrix competent to undergo biomineralization. I also pursue the role of developmental signals to regulate amelogenin expression during development. This research is based on promoter analysis for cis and trans acting factors that interact with the minimal amelogenin promoter in cell lines and in transgenic animals. I collaborate with Dr. Robert Maxson on this aspect of my research. I also work on the development of the minor salivary glands, specifically, the von Ebner gland and the role of a protein I have cloned which I hypothesize to be involved with the chemical sense of taste. I collaborate with Drs. Jaskoll and David Ann, other mentors on this funded project. Finally, Drs. Snead and Maxson have had a long standing collaboration on the role of the homeobox transcription factor Msx2 to participate in cranial pattern formation, specifically showing that a mutation in the human Msx2 gene accounts for a form of craniosysnostosis.

 

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