Projects

We aim to improve current strategies for treating and preventing bone loss with aging, pathologies, and injury by targeting mechanical, metabolic, and vascular factors.

Mechanical

One of the primary functions of bone is providing mechanical stability to the body. Mechanical loading is necessary to shape bone morphology on the macro and micro scale. Determining pathological changes that occur in bone material properties, structural architecture, and tissue composition are imperative for understanding the mechanisms involved in bone loss.

Metabolic

Complex networks of endo-, auto-, and paracrine-signaling regulates the activity of bone forming (osteoblast) and bone resorbing (osteoclast) cells. Furthermore, bone tissue plays an important role in the endocrine system by controlling insulin sensitivity and gonadal development. Changes in these signaling pathways can impact bone health and potentially decrease bone fracture resistance.

Vasculature

Blood vessels are important for transporting nutrients, chemical signals, and mechanical stimulation to the cells within bone. Perturbations to physiologic blood flow within bone may impact the rates of bone resorption and formation, leading to advanced bone loss and functional deficiencies. Interventions aimed at impacting vascular health may cause beneficial outcomes in bone.

Focus Areas

(Click on a focus area to learn more about related projects)