Mizuho Kittaka

Mizuho Kittaka serves as Assistant Professor at Augusta University with dual appointments in the Dental College of Georgia (Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences) and Medical College of Georgia (Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy). Her research bridges oral biology and skeletal metabolism through molecular and translational approaches.

Education:

• DDS in Dental Clinical Sciences, Hiroshima University, 2008

Research Interests: Dr. Kittaka investigates bone-oral health interfaces with focus on genetic disorders (cherubism), periodontal-bone interactions, and systemic disease impacts (diabetes, chronic kidney disease). Her work employs murine disease models to dissect RANKL signaling, osteocyte function, and compensatory remodeling mechanisms, revealing therapeutic targets for musculoskeletal pathologies.

Publication Trends: Recent work (2023-2024) establishes critical links between RANKL inhibition and skeletal phenotypes in chronic diseases, identifies novel genetic variants in cherubism, and characterizes early bone remodeling changes in diabetic periodontitis. Her research consistently combines genetic analysis, murine modeling, and translational pharmacology across oral-systemic disease spectrums.

Scientific Awards:

• Annual Retreat Poster competition 1st prize (Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, 2023)
• Young Investigator Paper of the Year (Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, 2020)
• Plenary poster (ASBMR, 2019)
• Presentation award (United Japanese Researchers, 2018)
• Plenary poster & travel grant (ASBMR, 2017)

Advising and Grants: Mentors graduate students through seminars (BMBS 5403, OBMP 9010/9100) and serves on postdoctoral search committees. Reviews grants for Augusta University's Intramural Program (2024) while securing institutional support for musculoskeletal research through Indiana Center collaborations.

Labs and Teams: Leads research within Augusta University's musculoskeletal ecosystem, collaborating with the Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health on RANKL-focused projects. Her team integrates dental and medical expertise to study bone-oral disease mechanisms using advanced murine phenotyping and molecular techniques.