Research


GENETICS OF OSTEOPOROSIS

The primary determinant of bone health is our own genetics. Why are some individuals protected against this disease, and others more susceptible? We are working to understand this to identify new therapies to combat this massive health burden.

 

SKELETAL DEVELOPMENT


We are studying mechanisms underlying skeletal development to identify new avenues for regenerative medicine. Bone and muscle undergo organogenesis through a highly interconnected gene network. Our lab is focused on identifying genes that underlie coupled developed of muscle and bone. By better understanding how single genes and genetic variants dually influence bone and muscle development we hope to identify new targets to stimulate bone and muscle growth simultaneously.

APPENDAGE REGENERATION

Some animals can regenerate appendages following amputation. This occurs through the formation of a special mass of progenitor cells called the blastema. We are working to better understand blastema formation, to identify new strategies to enhance complex regeneration in humans.

 

ZEBRAFISH AS A SKELETAL MODEL

We are developing tools to advance zebrafish as a model for orthopaedic research. See the linked story from the UW Medicine Newsroom to find out why.