Andrew Smith

Professor Andrew Smith is Chair in Oral Health Sciences at University College London's Eastman Dental Institute, where he leads research connecting oral health with systemic inflammatory conditions. His work bridges dental and medical fields, particularly investigating Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and oral manifestations of inflammatory conditions through advanced laboratory and clinical approaches.

Education:

• PhD, University of Southampton (1998)
• BSc (Hons), University of Leeds (1995)

Smith's research program focuses on three interconnected areas: macrophage immune responses, epithelial integrity in mucosal inflammation, and microbiome influences on inflammatory diseases. His laboratory employs genetic analysis, transcriptomic profiling, in vivo and in vitro disease modeling, and proteomics to investigate cytokine secretion mechanisms and their role in disease pathogenesis. His team has demonstrated that the oral microbiome is primarily shaped by environmental factors rather than genetics, with implications for both oral and gastrointestinal health management.

His recent publications reveal increasing emphasis on organoid technology, microbiome analysis, and novel drug delivery systems for mucosal diseases. The research shows strong translational focus, connecting basic immunological mechanisms with clinical observations in patient populations. His work on the relationship between biologic therapies for Crohn's disease and oral health outcomes has provided important insights into the oral-systemic disease connection.

Research Contributions:

• Established 20-year clinical-scientific collaboration with Dr. Farooq Rahman
• Developed patient-derived organoid models for inflammatory disease research
• Demonstrated environmental dominance in shaping oral microbiome
• Investigated connections between TNF inhibitors and periodontal health
• Advanced understanding of cytokine trafficking in immune cells

Professor Smith supervises multiple PhD students and postdoctoral researchers while collaborating with clinicians at University College Hospital and Royal Free Hospital. His international research team includes scientists, clinicians, dentists, and nutritionists working across disciplines to unravel complex immune-microbiome interactions in inflammatory diseases.

The Smith-Rahman research group maintains sophisticated facilities for patient-derived organoid culture, microbiome profiling, and advanced imaging including microCT for dental and bone analysis, supporting their integrated approach to inflammatory disease research.