Teaching Activities: Lecture topics include the cariogenic mechanisms of Streptococcus mutans and antimicrobial means of plaque control.
Clinical Activities:
Research Activities: Dr. Banas' broad research interest is pathogenic bacteriology. Specifically, his lab focuses on how the glucan-binding proteins (GBPs) synthesized by Streptococcus mutans contribute to the development of the plaque biofilm and ultimately dental caries. Since glucan is a primary virulence factor that propels the change in microbial ecology that leads to a cariogenic plaque, it has been proposed that proteins that have the property of binding glucan play accessory roles in this process. It is now clear that each of the four GBPs makes a unique contribution. In particular, recent work has revealed that GbpA is essential for adding depth to the biofilm and for facilitating the development of a biofilm architecture that minimizes the environmental stress experienced by the bacteria. Current studies involve biofilm characterization and microarray gene expression analyses of a panel of strains deleted in one or more GBPs. Individually or collectively, the GBPs may represent targets for future therapy in the prevention or treatment of dental caries.
National or International Professional Appointments or Activities: Dr. Banas recently completed his tenure as a member of the NIDCR Oral, Dental and Craniofacial Sciences study section. He continues to serve as an ad hoc reviewer for periodic study sections and for several scientific journals. Dr. Banas is a member of the American Society for Microbiology and the American and International Associations for Dental Research.
Jeffrey A. Banas, Ph.D.
Dows Institute for Dental Research
Department of Pediatric Dentistry
College of Dentistry
The University of Iowa
N436 Dental Science Building
Iowa City, IA 52242
(319) 335-9911
E-mail: Jeffrey A. Banas