----- Where We Study BMP Signaling in Bone & How Osteocyte Respond to Mechanical Stimulation
We are interested in how osteoblast cells function during development and postnatal bone formation.
Our work is focused on members of the BMP and BMP receptor gene families of signaling molecules. We use both transgenic models, cell models, and systems biology approaches.
We also study how mechanical load is transmitted to genome of osteocytes, the cells thought to be a primary responder to mechanical signals. We use both transgenic models, analysis of osteoblast to osteocyte differentiation models, and microarray approaches to understand the major pathways and network envolved in osteocyte function.
Understanding mechanisms of BMP signaling and mechanisms of load induce bone formation will lead to new modalities for bone regeneration in periodontal diseases.
