Faculty Staff
Dr Dissanayaka, Waruna Lakmal

BDS (Peradeniya); PhD, PDipMDPath (HK); FHEA





General Information
Title

Assistant Professor in Oral Biosciences


Division

Applied Oral Sciences & Community Dental Care


E-mail

warunad@hku.hk
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Phone Number

2859 0484


Research profile

HKU Scholars Hub
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Scopus
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ORCID
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Google Scholar
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ResearchGate
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Research Theme

Craniofacial Regeneration



Areas of Research Expertise

Tissue engineering
Tooth-derived stem cells
Dental pulp regeneration




Category
Publications Honours and Awards Editorships Knowledge Exchange Professional Societies Grants Invited Lectures and Keynote Speeches


Advanced Sorting
Publications
Article
YI B, Ding T, Jiang S, Gong T, Chopra H, Sha O, Dissanayaka WL, Ge S, Zhang C. Conversion of stem cells from apical papilla into endothelial cells by small molecules and growth factors, Stem Cell Research & Therapy 2021; 12: article no. 266-article no. 266 doi:10.1186/s13287-021-02350-5
ZHANG Y, LIU J, Zou T, Qi Y, YI B, Dissanayaka WL, Zhang C. DPSCs treated by TGF-β1 regulate angiogenic sprouting of three-dimensionally co-cultured HUVECs and DPSCs through VEGF-Ang-Tie2 signaling, Stem Cell Research & Therapy 2021; 12(1): article no. 281-article no. 281 doi:10.1186/s13287-021-02349-y
HAN Y, GONG T, Zhang C, Dissanayaka WL. HIF-1α Stabilization Enhances Angio-/Vasculogenic Properties of SHED, Journal of Dental Research 2020; Epub 2020-04-16: ** doi:10.1177/2190
Dissanayaka WL, HAN Y, ZHANG L, Zou T, Zhang C. Bcl-2 Overexpression and Hypoxia Synergistically Enhance Angiogenic Properties of Dental Pulp Stem Cells, International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2020; 21(17): article no. 6159-article no. 6159 doi:10.3390/ijms**
ZHU L, Dissanayaka WL, Zhang C. Dental pulp stem cells overexpressing stromal-derived factor-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor in dental pulp regeneration, Clinical Oral Investigations 2019; 23: 2497-2509 doi:10.1007/s00784-018-2699-0
Yuan C, Wang P, Zhu S, Liu Z, Wen W, Geng T, Dissanayaka WL, Jin L, Zhang C. Overexpression of ephrinB2 in stem cells from apical papilla accelerates angiogenesis, Oral Diseases 2019; 25(3): 848-859 doi:10.1111/odi.13042
Zou T, Jiang S, Dissanayaka WL, Heng BC, Xu J, Gong T, Huang X, Zhang C. Sema4d/plexinb1 Promotes Endothelial Differentiation Of Dental Pulp Stem Cells Via Activation Of Akt And Erk1/2 Signaling., Journal of Cellular Biochemistry 2019; 120(8): 13614-13624 doi:10.1002/jcb.28635
XU J, Zhu S, Heng BCA, Dissanayaka WL, Zhang C. TGF-β1-induced differentiation of SHED into functional smooth muscle cells, Stem Cell Research & Therapy 2017; 8(10): 10:1-10 doi:10.1186/s13287-016-0459-0
ZOU T, Dissanayaka WL, Jiang S, Wang S, Heng BCA, Huang X, Zhang C. Semaphorin 4D Enhances Angiogenic Potential and Suppresses Osteo-/Odontogenic Differentiation of Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells, Journal of Endodontics 2017; 43: 297-305 doi:10.1016/j.joen.2016.10.019
Zhu S, Wang PL, Liao C, Yang Y, YUAN C, WANG S, Dissanayaka WL, Heng BCA, Zhang C. Transgenic expression of ephrinB2 in periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) modulates osteogenic differentiation via signaling crosstalk between ephrinB2 and EphB4 in PDLSCs and between PDLSCs and pre-osteoblasts within co-culture, Journal of Periodontal Research 2017; 52(3): 562-573 doi:10.1111/jre.12424
Panduwawala Kankanamalage CPP, Zhan X, Dissanayaka WL, Samaranayake LP, Jin L, Zhang C. In vivo periodontal tissue regeneration by periodontal ligament stem cells and endothelial cells in three-dimensional cell sheet constructs, Journal of Periodontal Research 2017; 52: 408-418 doi:10.1111/jre.12405
Heng Boon Chin, Ye Xin, Liu Yuan, Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Cheung Gary Shun Pan, Zhang Chengfei. Effects of recombinant overexpression of Bcl2 on the proliferation, apoptosis, and osteogenic/odontogenic differentiation potential of dental pulp stem cells, Journal of Endodontics 2016; 42(4): 575-583 doi:10.1016/j.joen.2016.01.013
Nanayakkara P. G C L, Dissanayaka W. L., Nanayakkara B. G., Amaratunga E. A P D, Tilakaratne W. M.. Comparison of spatula and cytobrush cytological techniques in early detection of oral malignant and premalignant lesions: A prospective and blinded study, Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine 2016; 45(4): 268-274 doi:10.1111/jop.12357
Zhu Lifang, Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Green David William, Zhang Chengfei. Stimulation of EphB2/ephrin-B1 signalling by tumour necrosis factor alpha in human dental pulp stem cells, Cell Proliferation 2015; 48(2): 231-238 doi:10.1111/cpr.12172
Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Zhu Lifang, Hargreaves Kenneth M., Jin Lijian, Zhang Chengfei. In Vitro Analysis of Scaffold-free Prevascularized Microtissue Spheroids Containing Human Dental Pulp Cells and Endothelial Cells, Journal of Endodontics 2015; 41(5): 663-670 doi:10.1016/j.joen.2014.12.017
YUAN C, Wang P, Dissanayaka WL, Green DW, Tong EH, Jin L, Zhang C. Coculture of stem cells from apical papilla and human umbilical vein endothelial cell under hypoxia increases the formation of three-dimensional vessel-like structures in vitro, Tissue Engineering Part A: Tissue Engineering 2015; 21(5-6): 1163-1172 doi:10.1089/ten.tea.2014.0058
Dissanayaka WL, Hargreaves KM, Jin L, Samaranayake LP, Zhang C. The interplay of dental pulp stem cells and endothelial cells in an injectable peptide hydrogel on angiogenesis and pulp regeneration in vivo, Tissue Engineering Part A 2015; 21(3-4): 550-563 doi:10.1089/ten.tea.2014.0154
Dissanayaka W. L., Zhu L., Hargreaves K. M., Jin L., Zhang C.. Scaffold-free prevascularized microtissue spheroids for pulp regeneration, Journal of Dental Research 2014; 93(12): 1296-1303 doi:10.1177/0040
Zhan X, Zhang C, Dissanayaka WL, Cheung GSP, Jin L, Yang Y, Yan F, Tong EHY. Storage media enhance osteoclastogenic potential of human periodontal ligament cells via RANKL-independent signaling, Dental Traumatology 2013; doi:10.1111/j.1600-9657.2012.01138.x
Zhu W., Zhu X., Huang G. T J, Cheung G. S P, Dissanayaka W. L., Zhang C.. Regeneration of dental pulp tissue in immature teeth with apical periodontitis using platelet-rich plasma and dental pulp cells, International Endodontic Journal 2013; 46(10): 962-970 doi:10.1111/iej.12087
Zhu Xiaofei, Zhang Chengfei, Huang George T J, Cheung Gary S P, Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Zhu Wenhao. Transplantation of dental pulp stem cells and platelet-rich plasma for pulp regeneration, Journal of Endodontics 2012; 38(12): 1604-1609 doi:10.1016/j.joen.2012.09.001
Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Pitiyage Gayani, Kumarasiri Pallegoda Vithanage Ranjith, Liyanage Rubasinha Liyanage Pemith Ranura, Dias Kumara Dayanath, Tilakaratne Wanninayake Mudiyanselage. Clinical and histopathologic parameters in survival of oral squamous cell carcinoma, Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology 2012; 113(4): 518-525 doi:10.1016/j.oooo.2011.11.001
Dissanayaka WL, Zhan X, Zhang C, Hargreaves KM, Jin L, Tong EHY. Coculture of dental pulp stem cells with endothelial cells enhances osteo-/odontogenic and angiogenic potential in vitro, Journal of Endodontics 2012; 38(4): 454-463 doi:10.1016/j.joen.2011.12.024
Zhu X, Zhang C, Huang GT-J, Cheung GSP, Dissanayaka WL, Zhu W. Transplantation of dental pulp stem ells and platelet-rich plasma for pulp regeneration, Journal of Endodontics 2012; 38(12): 1604-1609
Dissanayaka WL, Zhu X, Zhang C, Jin L. Characterization of dental pulp stem cells isolated from canine premolars, The Journal of Endodontics 2011; 37(8): 1074-1080 doi:10.1016/j.joen.2011.04.004
Lin X, Wu W, Zhang C, Lo EC, Chu CH, Dissanayaka WL. Prevalence and distribution of developmental enamel defects in children with cerebral palsy in Beijing, China, International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2011; 21(1): 23-28 doi:10.1111/j.1365-263X.2010.01075.x
Zhang C, Chan AWK, Dissanayaka WL. Mineral trioxide aggregate repair of lateral root perforation using intentiional replantation and bone grafting, Hong Kong Dental Journal 2011; 8(1): 51-55
Dissanayaka W. L., Jayasooriya P. R., Dias D. K., Tilakaratne W. M.. Oral juvenile xanthogranuloma: Report of two cases and literature review, Oral Surgery 2010; 3(1-2): 22-25 doi:10.1111/j.1752-248X.2010.01062.x
Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Jayasooriya Primali Rukmal, Kumarasiri Pallegoda Vithanage Ranjith, Tilakaratne Wanninayake Mudiyanselage. A histopathologic comparison between synchronous and single primary oral squamous cell carcinomas, Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology and Endodontology 2010; 109(5): 732-738 doi:10.1016/j.tripleo.2009.12.012
Conference Paper
Dissanayaka WL, Zhang C. Scaffold-based and Scaffold-free Strategies in Dental Pulp Regeneration, Journal of Endodontics 2020; 46(9, suppl.): S81-S89 doi:10.1016/j.joen.2020.06.022
YI B, Dissanayaka WL, Zhang C. Growth Factors and Small-molecule Compounds in Derivation of Endothelial Lineages from Dental Stem Cells, Journal of Endodontics 2020; 46(9, suppl.): S63-S70 doi:10.1016/j.joen.2020.06.024
Dissanayaka WL. Scaffold-based and Scaffold-free approached for pulp regeneration, IADR Pulp Biology and Regeneration Group Satellite Symposium 2019 2019;
Dissanayaka WL, Zhang C. Endothelial differentiation of dental stem cells in a three-dimensional microtissue culture system, ISSCR International Symposium: Translational Opportunities in Stem Cell Research, Basel 2017 2017; 98-98
Zhang C, Dissanayaka WL. The role of vasculature engineering in dental pulp regeneration, Joint Scientific Symposium: Current and Future Challenges in Dentistry 2017;
Dissanayaka WL, Zhang C. The Role of Vasculature Engineering in Dental Pulp Regeneration, Journal of Endodontics 2017; 43: S102-S106 doi:10.1016/j.joen.2017.09.003
Dissanayaka WL, Hargreaves K, Jin L, Zhang C. Prevascularized Three-Dimensional DPSC Constructs in Dental Pulp Regeneration, Journal of Dental Research 2014; 93(Special issue B: abstract no. 174)
Dissanayaka WL, Hargreaves KM, Jin L, Zhang C. Scaffold-free Three-dimensional Spheroids of DPSCs/ECs in Vascularised Pulp Regeneration, Journal of Dental Research 2013; 92(Special Issue B: abstract no. 358)
Dissanayaka WL, Zhang C, Hargreaves K, Jin L. Peptide Hydrogel Scaffold Promotes Angiogenesis And Osteo/Odontogenic Differentiation In-Vitro, Journal of Dental Research 2013; 92(Special Issue A: abstract no. 3605)
Dissanayaka WL, Zhang C, Panduwawala KCPP. Development of prevascularized dental pulp constructs by synergistic effects of human dental pulp stem/progenitor cells and endothelial cells, Annual Meeting of the International Society for Stem Cell Research, ISSCR 2012 2012; 1: 119-119
Dissanayaka WL, Zhang C, Jin L, Hargreaves KM. ECs Enhance DPSC Properties And Therapeutic Potential In Three-dimensional Model, Journal of Dental Research 2012; 91(Special Issue C: abstract no. 168954)
Dissanayaka WL, Zhang C, Hargreaves KM, Jin LJ. Synergistic actions of DPSCs and ECs in vascularising bioengineered pulp, IADR 90th General Session & Exhibition 2012;
Dissanayaka WL, Zhang C, Jin L. Synergistic effects of endothelial and dental pulp stem cells in-vitro, IADR/SEAADE Annual Scientific Meeting, 2011 2011;
Book Chapter
Dissanayaka WL, Zhang C. Dental Pulp Stem Cells and Hydrogel in Pulp Regeneration . Dental Stem Cells: Regenerative Potential. Cham: Humana Press; 2016:: 133-145.
Dissanayaka WL, Zhang C. Dental Pulp Stem Cells and Hydrogel in Pulp Regeneration . Dental Stem Cells: Regenerative Potential, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine. Cham, Switzerland: Springer; 2016:133-145.
PG Thesis
Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal Synergistic effects of dental pulp stem cells and endothelial cells in pulp regeneration[PG Thesis]. Pokfulam, Hong Kong: The University of Hong Kong; 2014. doi:10.5353/th_b**

Honours and Awards
2020. Dissanayaka WL. IADR Centennial Emerging Leaders Award: International Association for Dental Research.
2018. Dissanayaka WL. SEA-IADR Research Category Award for Tissue Engineering and Craniofacial Biology: SEA-IADR.
2016. Dissanayaka WL. 2016 IADR William J Gies Award for Biomaterials and Bioengineering Research: International Association of Dental Research.
2016. Dissanayaka WL, ZHU L, Hargreaves KM, Jin L, Zhang C. 2016 IADR/AADR William J. Gies Award for Biomaterials and Bioengineering Research: IADR/AADR.
2016. Dissanayaka WL, ZHU L, Hargreaves KM, Jin L, Zhang C. Journal of Endodontics award for the Best Paper in Basic Science: Biology2016: American Association of Endodontists.
2016. Dissanayaka WL. Journal of Endodontics Award for the Best Paper in Basic Science: Biology 2016: Journal of Endodontics & American Association of Endodontists.
2015. Dissanayaka WL, Zhang C, Jin L. Research Output Award - Faculty of Dentistry 2016.

Editorships
2021: Associate Editor. BMC Oral Health.
2021: Review Editor in Endodontics. Frontiers in Dental Medicine.
2021: Review Editor in Regenerative Dentistry. Frontiers in Dental Medicine.
2021: Editorial Board Member. Clinical Oral Investigations.
2021: Scientific Advisory Board Member. Journal of Endodontics.
2020: Review Editor in Endodontics. Frontiers in Dental Medicine.
2020: Review Editor in Regenerative Dentistry. Frontiers in Dental Medicine.
2020: Editorial Board Member. Clinical Oral Investigations.
2019: Scientific Advisory Board Member. Journal of Endodontics.

Knowledge Exchange
01 October 2018: Jung Han Sung, Chu Chun Hung, Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Su Yuxiong. Evaluating the outcome of teacher workshop on smokeless tobacco prevention.
01 October 2018: Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Tsoi Kit Hon, Zhang Chengfei. Empowering secondary school teachers in Hong Kong with the knowledge of tooth-derived stem cells and its potential applications.
01 September 2018: Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Zhang Chengfei, Tsoi Kit Hon. 2018/19 KE Impact Project Funding: KE-IP-2018/19-27: Empowering secondary school teachers in Hong Kong with the knowledge of tooth-derived stem cells and its potential applications ($70,000).
01 September 2018: Jung Han Sung, Chu Chun Hung, Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Su Yuxiong. 2018/19 KE Impact Project Funding: KE-IP-2018/19-29: Evaluating the outcome of teacher workshop on smokeless tobacco prevention ($100,000).
01 February 2018: Jung Han Sung, Lo Edward Chin Man, Chu Chun Hung, Duangthip Duangporn, Wong Hai Ming, Tsoi Kit Hon, Su Yuxiong, Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Lee Hiu Man Gillian, McGrath Colman Patrick Joseph, Yiu Cynthia Kar Yung, Bornstein Michael Marc. Special Funding for Impact Evidence Collection: KE-SR-2017/18-4: Impact Evidence Collection for Clinical Dentistry (HK$400,000).
01 September 2017: Jung Han Sung, Chu Chun Hung, Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Su Yuxiong. 2017/18 KE Impact Project Funding: KE-IP-2017/18-16: Empowering school teachers to enhance awareness of areca nut/smokeless tobacco related oral cancer among school children in Sri Lanka ($100,000).
01 July 2017: Jung Han Sung, Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Chu Chun Hung, Su Yuxiong. Empowering school teachers to enhance awareness of areca nut/smokeless tobacco related oral cancer among school children in Sri Lanka.
07 August 2015: Tsoi Kit Hon, Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Epasinghe Don Jeevanie, Alex Cheng, Dave Kwok, Chu Chun Hung. 2015/16 KE Impact Project Funding: KE-IP-2015/16-28: Oral Health Promotion from Hong Kong to Remote World: Sri Lanka (HK$70,000).

Professional Societies
01/2012 - present: Member. International Society for Stem Cell Research.
01/2011 - present: Member. International Association for Dental Research.

Grants
Project Title: Deciphering the optimal settings and biological functions of small molecule activators of HIF-1α stabilization in dental stem cells
Grant Type: General Research Fund (GRF)
Funding Year: 2021
Amount: HKD**
Principal Investigator: Dr Dissanayaka, Waruna Lakmal
Co-investigator(s): Dr Koohi-Moghadam Mohamad, Professor Zhang Chengfei
Project Title: Locally generated oxygen combined with blocking Sug1/CIITA signaling synergistically enhance allogeneic DPSCs survival and pulp tissue regeneration
Grant Type: General Research Fund (GRF)
Funding Year: 2021
Amount: HKD**
Principal Investigator: Professor Zhang, Chengfei
Co-investigator(s): Dr Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Dr Jiang Shan, Dr Yuan Changyong, Dr Zou Ting
Project Title: Novel angiogenic and electrically conductive niche synergizing with electrical stimulation accelerates angiogenesis and neurogenesis in pulp regeneration
Grant Type: General Research Fund (GRF)
Funding Year: 2020
Amount: HKD996285
Principal Investigator: Professor Zhang, Chengfei
Co-investigator(s): Professor Zhao Yi, Dr Jiang Shan, Dr Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Dr Lim Lee Wei
Project Title: Bio-fabricated tissue constructs with angiogenic, neurogenic and odontogenic niches for enhancing dental pulp regeneration
Grant Type: General Research Fund (GRF)
Funding Year: 2019
Amount: HKD**
Principal Investigator: Professor Zhang, Chengfei
Co-investigator(s): Dr Bertassoni Luiz Eduardo, Dr Lim Lee Wei, Dr Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Dr Jiang Shan
Project Title: The Hif-1α-SEMA4D-Plexin-B1 signaling axis regulates dental stem cells in the stabilization of vascular structures
Grant Type: General Research Fund (GRF)
Funding Year: 2019
Amount: HKD**
Principal Investigator: Dr Dissanayaka, Waruna Lakmal
Co-investigator(s): Professor Zhang Chengfei
Project Title: Spheroids of HIF-1α-stabilized SHED as vascularization units for the treatment of peripheral tissue ischemia
Grant Type: Health and Medical Research Fund - Full Grant
Funding Year: 2019
Amount: HKD**
Principal Investigator: Dr Dissanayaka, Waruna Lakmal
Co-investigator(s): Professor Zhang Chengfei
Project Title: Small molecules-based conversion of SCAP into endothelial cells
Grant Type: National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) - General Program
Funding Year: 2019
Amount: HKD690080
Principal Investigator: Professor Zhang, Chengfei
Co-investigator(s): Dr Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal
Project Title: Engineered neural tissue constructs using dental-derived neural stem cells to promote peripheral nerve regeneration
Grant Type: Health and Medical Research Fund - Full Grant
Funding Year: 2018
Amount: HKD**
Principal Investigator: Professor Zhang, Chengfei
Co-investigator(s): Professor Chan Ying Shing, Dr Lim Lee Wei, Dr Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal
Project Title: Engineered tissue constructs with inbuilt perfusable microchannel networks for dental pulp regeneration
Grant Type: General Research Fund (GRF)
Funding Year: 2017
Amount: HKD**
Principal Investigator: Professor Zhang, Chengfei
Co-investigator(s): Dr Heng Boon Chin Alexis, Professor Jin Lijian, Dr Dissanayaka Waruna Lakmal, Dr Bertassoni Luiz Eduardo
Project Title: Enhancing post-implantation dental stem cell survival and angiogenesis via in vitro stabilization of HIF-1α signaling
Grant Type: General Research Fund (GRF)
Funding Year: 2017
Amount: HKD894200
Principal Investigator: Dr Dissanayaka, Waruna Lakmal
Co-investigator(s): Professor Zhang Chengfei

Invited Lectures and Keynote Speeches
01 July 2019: Scaffold-based and Scaffold-free approached for pulp regeneration. IADR Pulp Biology and Regeneration Group Satellite Symposium 2019.
01 July 2017: Dental Pulp Regeneration - From Bench to Clinic. HKU Summer School 2017.
01 January 2017: The role of vasculature engineering in dental pulp regeneration. Joint Scientific Symposium Current and Future Challenges in Dentistry, January 12, 2017.