Joseph M. DiRienzo, Ph.D. Professor of Microbiology and Assistant Dean for Student Research Contact Information Robert Schattner Center University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine Rm 235 Levy Building 240 South 40th Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-6030 Phone: 215-898-8238 Email: dirienzo@pobox.upenn.edu

Research Interests
Dr. DiRienzo studies the role of bacteria in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases using molecular biology and biochemical techniques to identify and characterize virulence genes and their gene products from the well-known pathogen, Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans. Studies are currently focused on the characterization of a cytolethal distending toxin and the modification of this toxin to develop reagents for a novel anti-cancer therapy. His teaching responsibilities include the presentation of basic microbiology to dental students. Other interests include using computer and mobile technology to enhance teaching of microbiology through interactive tutorials. Dr. DiRienzo has also spent some time documenting the history of microbiology at Penn Dental Medicine.

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