Our research is focused on the molecular mechanisms involved in the colonization of surfaces by microorganisms. We are particularly interested in a group of enzymes, the glucosyltransferases, formed by oral streptococci, and which form glucan from sucrose. These enzymes have distinct properties on surfaces compared with those observed when the enzymes are in solution. For example, glucan with a distinct structure may be formed on a surface compared with the product formed by the same enzyme in solution. Thus highly specific binding sites for bacteria may be formed on a surface. In addition, we are exploring the influence of low molecular weight oligosaccharides on the formation of glucan by glucosyltransferases.

We are also investigating the effects of exposure to heavy metals pre- and peri-natally on susceptibility to caries development in young rats. Exposure to lead appears to be particularly harmful to dental health.

Recent Publications

Duarte S, Koo H, Bowen WH, Hayacibara MF, Cury JA, Ikegaki M, and Rosalen PL. 2003. Effect of a novel type of propolis and its chemical fractions on glucosyltransferases and on growth and adherence of mutans streptococci. Biol Pharm Bull. Apr;26(4):527-523.

Koo H, Pearson SK, Scott-Anne K, Abranches J, Cury JA, Rosalen PL, Park YK, Marquis RE, and Bowen WH. 2002. Effects of apigenin and tt-farnesol on glucosyltransferase activity, biofilm viability and caries development in rats. Oral Microbiol Immunol. Dec;17(6):337-343.

Bowen WH. 2002. Fluorosis: is it really a problem? J Am Dent Assoc. Oct;133(10):1405-1407.

Bowen WH. 2002. Do we need to be concerned about dental caries in the coming millennium? Crit Rev Oral Biol Med. 13(2):126-123.

Korpela A, Yu X, Loimaranta V, Lenander-Lumikari M, Vacca-Smith A, Wunder D, Bowen WH, and Tenovuo J. 2002. Lactoperoxidase Inhibits Glucosyltransferases from Streptococcus mutans in vitro. Caries Res. Mar-Apr;36(2):116-121.

Kopec LK, Vacca Smith AM, Wunder D, Ng-Evans L, and Bowen WH. 2002. Influence of antibody on the structure of glucans. Caries Res. Mar-Apr;36(2):108-115.

Davis BA, Raubertas RF, Pearson SK, annd Bowen WH. 2001. The effects of benzoate and fluoride on dental caries in intact and desalivated rats. Caries Res. Sep-Oct;35(5):331-337.

Kopec, L.K., Vacca Smith, A.M., Wunder, D., Ng-Evans, L., and Bowen, W.H. 2001. Properties of Streptococcus sanguinis Glucans Formed Under Various Conditions. Caries Res. Jan;35(1):67-74.

Koo, H., Vacca Smith, A.M., Bowen, W.H., Rosalen, P.L., Cury, J.A., and Park, Y.K. 2000. Effects of apis mellifera propolis on the activities of streptococcal glucosyltransferases in solution and adsorbed onto saliva-coated hydroxyapatite. Caries Res. Sep-Oct;34(5):418-426.

Vacca Smith, A.M., Ng-Evans, L., Wunder, D,, and Bowen, W.H. 2000. Studies concerning the glucosyltransferase of streptococcus sanguis. Caries Res. 34(4):295-302.

Wunder, D., and Bowen, W.H. 2000. Effects of antibodies to glucosyltransferase on soluble and insolubilized enzymes. Oral Dis. Sep;6(5):289-296.

Ayad, M., Van Wuyckhuyse, B.C., Minaguchi, K., Raubertas, R.F., Bedi, G.S., Billings, R.J., Bowen, W.H., and Tabak, L.A. 2000. The association of basic proline-rich peptides from human parotid gland secretions with caries experience. J. Dent. Res. 79(4):976-982.

Watson, G.E., Pearson, S.K., and Bowen, W.H. 2000. The effect of chronic clonidine administration on salivary glands and caries in the rat. Caries Res. 34(2):194-200.

Clancy, K.A, Pearson, S., Bowen, W.H., and Burne, R.A. 2000. Characterization of recombinant, ureolytic Streptococcus mutans demonstrates an inverse relationship between dental plaque ureolytic capacity and cariogenicity. Infect. Immun. 68(5):2621-2629.

Vacca Smith, A.M. and Bowen, W.H. 2000. In situ studies of pellicle formation on hydroxyapatite discs. Arch. Oral Biol. 45(4):277-291.

Frame, P.S., Sawai, R., Bowen, W.H., and Meyerowitz, C. 2000. Preventive dentistry: practitioners' recommendations for low-risk patients compared with scientific evidence and practice guidelines. Am. J. Prev. Med. 18(2):159-162.

Bowen, W.H., Pearson, S.K., and Jerussi, T.P. 2000. Influence of (S)-ketoprofen and fluoride on caries in rats. Oral Dis. 6(1):12-14.

Vacca Smith, A.M. and Bowen, W.H. 2000. The effects of milk and kappa-casein on salivary pellicle formed on hydroxyapatite discs in situ. Caries Res. 34(1):88-93.

Wunder, D. and Bowen, W.H. 1999. Action of agents on glucosyltransferases from Streptococcus mutans in solution and adsorbed to experimental pellicle. Arch. Oral Biol. 44(3):203-214.

Tabchoury, C.M., Holt, T., Pearson, S.K., and Bowen, W.H. 1998. The effects of fluoride concentration and the level of cariogenic challenge on caries development in desalivated rats. Arch. Oral Biol. 43(12):917-924.

Watson, G.E., B.A. Davis, R.F. Raubertas, S.K. Pearson, and W.H. Bowen. 1997. Influence of maternal lead ingestion on caries in rat pups. Nature Medicine: 3:1024-1025.