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Xiaoyan Wang Lab

Our long term goal is to explore the pathogenesis of dental caries and apical periodontitis, and to develop biomaterials and digital technologies for prevention and treatment.

Our team's research initially focuses on the pathogenesis of dental caries, apical periodontitis. By employing techniques such as biochemistry, molecular biology, super-resolution fluorescence imaging, single-molecule tracking, and X-ray diffraction crystallography, the team investigates the division and regulatory mechanisms of oral microorganisms, including Streptococcus mutans, and explores potential drug targets within these mechanisms.

Another research direction is the development of novel biomaterials for prevention and therapy of dental disease and tissue regeneration, with the aim of reducing the incidence of dental caries and the occurrence of apical periodontitis following root canal treatment (RCT).

We also interested in the explore the molecular mechanism of external root resorption.

DIRECTOR

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Xiaoyan Wang, DDS, PhD

Professor, Chief Physician

Principal Investigator

wangxiaoyan@pkuss.bjmu.edu.cn

Professor Xiaoyan Wang is dean of Department of Cariology and Endodontology, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology. She concurrently serves as the Chairperson of the Endodontics Professional Committee of Beijing Stomatological Association, the Deputy Chairperson of the Oral Laser Professional Committee of Beijing Stomatological Association, and the Deputy Chairperson of the Digital Stomatology Industry Branch of the National Health Industry Enterprise Management Association.

As a principal investigator, Pro. Wang has long been engaged in research work on the diagnosis and treatment of endodontic diseases, and has a solid research foundation especially in aspects such as constructing methods for controlling root canal infections and repairing periapical bone lesions. In recent years, Pro. Wang has undertaken the Appropriate Technology Promotion Project of the National Center for Stomatology, namely "Appropriate Technology for the Control of Complex Root Canal Infections", and National Natural Science Foundation of China projects including "Preparation of Injectable Composite Hydrogels with Gradient Structure and Research on Their Regulation of Angiogenesis and Osteogenesis Behaviors", "Research on the Mechanism of Action of Injectable VEGF-Intelligently Modified Microporous Double-Network Hydrogels in Bone Repair", and "Composite System of Polymer Antibacterial Agents for Dental Use with Programmable Controlled Release". She has also carried out projects such as the Beijing Science and Technology Plan project "New Resin-Based Oral Restoration Materials" and the Beijing Natural Science Foundation project "Study on the Acid Resistance Mechanism of the Cell Division Protein FtsZ of Streptococcus mutans". Additionally, Pro. Wang has participated in major projects of the National Natural Science Foundation such as "Mechanism of Oral Microecology and Maintenance and Remodeling of Periodontal Homeostasis".

RESEARCH AREAS

Oral Biomaterial

Untreated dental caries of permanent teeth and severe periodontitis were the most common oral conditions. Developing a novel material that can simultaneously control both diseases would be a beneficial endeavor. Our lab is focus on the functional integration of dentin remineralization, matrix metalloproteinases inhibition, anti-inflammation, and periodontal regeneration.

We have synthesized biocompatible strawberry-shaped hemispheric Janus particles (Catechol-silica-NR3+ JPs) for the rapid and stable occlusion of dentin tubules. The JPs provided a novel approach to the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. As respect of biomaterials with adjustable properties in tissue repair, we construct an injectable double-network (DN) hydrogel with varying stiffness. We find that selecting appropriate substrate stiffness or gradient stiffness hydrogel could align with the optimal mechanical environment required for specific cell growth and function. We also work on leveraging polymer physical-chemical methodologies to enhance the performance of root canal filling materials, particularly optimizing their sealing properties to improve the quality and efficacy of root canal treatments.

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Anatomical basis of dentin hypersensitivity, and adhesion, occlusion, remineralization, anti-biofilm capacity using the hemispherical Catechol-silica-NR3+ JPs.

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Diagram of Amelogenin-derived peptide (C11) -modified poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (PAMAM).

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Thermal conduction mechanisms showing as "three-stage bridging model"

Oral microbe

Streptococcus mutans is the primary pathogen responsible for the occurrence of dental caries. Using in vitro biochemical techniques, we have discovered the high tolerance of the cytoskeletal protein FtsZ in Streptococcus mutans to acidic environments. Furthermore, by employing X-ray diffraction crystallography, we have determined the crystal structure of FtsZ in Streptococcus mutans and elucidated the underlying tolerance mechanisms.

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Structure of SmFtsZ tetramers

External root resorption

The dysregulation of MMPs is related to (ERR), one of the most severe complications, along with substantial loss of dental tissue, induced by trauma, pulpal infection, tooth bleaching, and orthodontic treatment. We find that DDR1 is a potent regulator of MMP-1, MMP-2, and MMP-13 expression through the Smad2/3, MEK-ERK1/2, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Clarifying the significance and underlying mechanism by which DDR1 is involved in ERR might bring the chances to hinder the pathogenic process of ERR, hence reducing its incidence rate.

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Effects of DDR1 knockdown on MMP-2 via the Smad2/3 signaling pathway and MMP-13 via the MEK-ERK1/2 and PI3K/Akt signaling path

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Biomimetic Janus particles induced in situ interfacial remineralization for dentin hypersensitivity

Advanced Functional Materials, Jan 2025

Amelogenin-Derived Peptide-Modified Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimers for Root Caries Prevention

ACS applied materials & interfaces, Jan 2025

Gelatin methacryloyl-phenylboronic acid/Hydroxyadamantane self-healing microgels for the periodontitis treatment by promoting alveolar bone regeneration

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Apr 2025

Injectable double network hydrogel with adjustable stiffness for modulation of macrophage polarization

Polymer Testing, Feb 2025

Chemokine receptor-2 deficiency induced mild experimental periapical lesion in mice

Journal of Dental Sciences, Jan 2025

Role of DDR1 in Regulating MMPs in External Root Resorption

International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Nov 2024

Clinical evaluation of Giomer and self-etch adhesive compared with nanofilled resin composite and etch-and-rinse adhesive - Results at 8 years

Dental Materials, Jul 2024

Injectable EC-BMSC hydrogel with prolonged VEGF action for enhanced angiogenesis

Polymer Testing, Aug 2023

Injectable double-network hydrogel-based three-dimensional cell culture systems for regenerating dental pulp

ACS applied materials & interfaces, Feb 2023

Influence of relative positions of the heat carrier and lateral canal opening on gutta-percha obturation of lateral canals in a three-dimensional-printed model

Journal of Dental Sciences, Feb 2023

Effect of 3-dimensional collagen fibrous scaffolds with different pore sizes on pulp regeneration

Journal of Endodontics, Oct 2022

Chlorhexidine-loaded poly (amido amine) dendrimer and a dental adhesive containing amorphous calcium phosphate nanofillers for enhancing bonding durability

Dental Materials, Apr 2022

Effectiveness of different cleaning measures on the bonding of resin cement to saliva- contaminated or blood-contaminated zirconia

Journal of Dentistry, May 2022

Effectiveness of different cleaning measures on the bonding of resin cement to saliva-contaminated or blood-contaminated zirconia

Journal of Endodontics, Mar 2022

Effects of DDR1 on migration and adhesion of periodontal ligament cells and the underlying mechanism

Journal of periodontal research, Feb 2022

Streptococcus mutans cell division protein FtsZ has higher GTPase and polymerization activities in acidic environment

Molecular Oral Microbiology, Feb 2022

KMT2D deficiency disturbs the proliferation and cell cycle activity of dental epithelial cell line (LS8) partially via Wnt signaling

Bioscience reports, Nov 2021

Surface roughness and gloss of polished nanofilled and nanohybrid resin composites