ccmb_overview

The Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology (CCMB) is a research laboratory located on the Health Sciences Campus (HSC) of the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles (See map below). Administratively the CCMB is a part of the USC School of Dentistry (USCSD) which is located on the University Park Campus.

The Laboratory is funded through multiple research grants (several from the U.S. National Institute of Dental Research) under which basic research is conducted into developmental, biochemical and molecular biological aspects of human development, with a special emphasis on craniofacial structures in both health and disease.

The Laboratory has an academic staff of 16 Investigators working with Graduate Students, Postdoctoral Fellows and Research Technicians and Administrators to a total compliment of between 60-70 persons.

The Center represents an affiliation of NIH funded investigators; a diverse group of men and women from all points of the globe. This group has established an outstanding record of research accomplishments, making significant new discoveries in areas such as:

the molecular etiology of cleft palate
enamel matrix formation and biomineralization
the role of cytoskeleton in tumor cell invasion
molecular control of digit separation
identification of salivary gland proteins involved with taste perception
lung development in the premature infant
molecular genetics of tooth development
craniofacial muscles as a site for gene therapy
control of tooth root cementum formation

These types of advances in basic research provide the opportunity for new breakthrough cures, and improvements in the overall health of millions of people worldwide.

The Center also acts as the home for a Problem-based Learning program in dental education.

Vision

CCMB is an international center of excellence dedicated to innovative interdisciplinary research, education and service, directed toward molecular solutions to human disease.

Mission

Contribute to the improvement of human health through innovative research, education and the treatment of human craniofacial, oral, dental and other related diseases.
Support of education within the university and the larger public school arena by the sharing of knowledge and expertise with administrators, teachers and students.
Support dental education through innovative programs and training methodologies.

Goals

To actively pursue advances in biomedical research that enable us to contribute to improvements in human health.
To expand research collaboration throughout the region to establish a Southern California Regional Comprehensive Oral Health Center.
To foster a comprehensive care approach to the dentistry of the 21st century through our case directed, problem-based dental curriculum.
To encourage an appreciation of the plight of the undeserved through dental outreach with the hope that our dental students will pursue altruism as a vital part of their lives.
To change the way science is taught in the public schools by facilitating the acquisition of content for teachers and students, acting as a liaison between the school district and the resources within the university and the community, and harnessing the natural curiosity of children in order to enhance student outcomes.
To incorporate the Center within the larger framework of our community to achieve advances in research, health and education.