Assistant Professor
Dr. Takamitsu Maruyama is a stem cell biologist whose research focuses on understanding how endogenous stem cells maintain and regenerate craniofacial tissues throughout life. His work combines mouse genetics, lineage tracing, bioinformatics, and molecular biology approaches to uncover the mechanisms that regulate tissue homeostasis, repair, and regeneration.
His laboratory has identified novel stem cell populations in cranial sutures, dental pulp, and salivary glands and has contributed to defining their roles in craniofacial development, skeletal regeneration, and disease. Current research focuses on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) stem cells and the molecular pathways that regulate their maintenance and regenerative capacity.
A major area of interest in Dr. Maruyama’s research is the role of non-coding RNAs to regulate stem cells and skeletal homeostasis. Through studies of microRNA-mediated regulation, his group seeks to identify mechanisms that can be leveraged to promote tissue regeneration and develop new therapies for craniofacial and skeletal disorders.
Dr. Maruyama received his PhD in Molecular Biology from Tohoku University and completed postdoctoral training at the University of Rochester Medical Center. Prior to joining ADA Forsyth Institute in 2021, he served as Assistant Professor and Associate Professor in the Center for Oral Biology at the University of Rochester.
His research has been supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), New York State Stem Cell Science, and ADA Forsyth Institute. He served as President of the Craniofacial Biology Group of the International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR).
Research Interests
- Craniofacial stem cell biology
- Tissue regeneration
- Temporomandibular joint biology and osteoarthritis
- Dental pulp stem cells
- Non-coding RNA and epigenetic regulation
- Craniofacial development and skeletal disease
For more information about our research programs, current projects, publications, and opportunities to join the laboratory, please visit the Maruyama Lab page.
