University of Manitoba

U of M - Dentistry - Department of Oral Biology

Department of Oral Biology

Department Research Profiles

C. Birek
Ph.D., D.D.S., F.R.C.D.(C), Dip.Oral Path. (Toronto).
Professor

birek@cc.umanitoba.ca

The major purpose of the research is to obtain a better understanding of molecular mechanisms operative in the development, the normal functioning and the repair of orofacial tissues. In particular, we are interested in genetic changes which affect the function and expression of proliferation- and differentiation-associated genes in early, premalignant stages of oral neoplasia (those preceding salivary gland tumors, squamous cell carcinoma and odontogenic tumors).

In order to study the expression of such genes in normal and diseased tissues, we have applied techniques of molecular biology such as in situ hybridization, in situ polymerase chain reactions (in situ rtPCR), and immunohistochemistry, directly on tumor tissues or on cultured cells derived from them. The ultimate goal of the research is to find molecular approaches to detecting early, premalignant neoplastic diseases of oral tissues. Currently the research is focused on clinico-pathologic correlations and clinical case studies.

NB: Currently Dr. C. Birek is not accepting new graduate students

Relevant publications

  • Birek C. Current Trends in Research on the Etiology of Cancer. (Editorial Commentary and review). Journal of the Canadian Dental Association 70(2):113, 2004.

  • Nicolaychuck, B., McNicoll, A., Gilchrist J. and Birek C. Evidence for a role of MAP-kinases (ERK1 and pERK) in proliferating and differentiating epithelia of developmental and inflammatory cysts. Oral Surg. Oral Med. Oral Pathol. Oral Radiol. Endod. 93:720-729, 2002.

  • Al-Bakkal, G. Ficarra, G., McNeill, K., Eversole, L.R., Sterrantino, G. and Birek (1999). C. Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E6 Gene Expression in Oral Exophytic Epithelial Lesions as Detected by In-Situ rtPCR. Oral Surg. OralMed. Oral Path. Endod. 37, 197 - 208.
  • Birek, C. , Grandhi, K. McNeill, K., Ficarra G., Singer, D. and Bowden G. (1999). Helicobacter Pylori in Recurrent Oral Aphtohous Ulcers. J. Oral Pathol. Med. 28, 197 - 203.
  • Birek, C., Henson, E. and Mai, S. (1999). C-Myc oncoprotein overexpression and DHFR gene amplification in ameloblastoma. (Abstract) J. Dent. Res.
  • Birek C, Ficarra G. The diagnosis and management of oral herpes simplex infection. Curr Infect Dis Rep. 2006 May;8(3):181-8.
  • Al-Osman A, Perry JB, Birek C. Extensive papillomatosis of the palate exhibiting epithelial dysplasia and HPV 16 gene expression in a renal transplant recipient. J Can Dent Assoc. 2006 May;72(4):331-4.