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Molecular Biology Lab Current Projects
Director: Ralph Marcucio, PhD, Assistant Professor
Genomic Response During Fracture Repair:
The ability to analyze the expression profiles of nearly all of the genes in the murine genome provides a powerful approach to define novel genes that may be involved in bone repair. Using this cDNA microarray approach will allow a rapid understanding of gene and gene regulatory networks that are responsible for bone repair thereby aiding in the design of more comprehensive, gene-targeted therapies for fracture repair.
Effect of Age on Bone Healing:
The significant growth of the elderly population makes it increasingly important to understand how the older body heals. The goal of this project is to define what goes awry during the healing process of older individuals. By understanding why bone regeneration in older animals is altered, we can propose strategies to reverse the aging process and restore an older animal's ability to heal skeletal injuries.
The Role of Vascularization During Bone Repair:
Bone is an extensively vascularized tissue. Often during a high velocity impact or other traumatic injury the vascular supply to the injured bone is significantly disrupted. Thus, proper bone healing relies on the re-establishment of a vascular system that can support bone regeneration. The goal of this work is to examine the molecular, cellular, and physiological events that are associated with revascularization of injured bone, and to design novel therapeutic strategies to enhance revascularization and bone regeneration.
Craniofacial Development:
In addition to the substantial focus on bone healing, research in the laboratory is also aimed at elucidating the mechanisms that underlie the formation of craniofacial birth defects. Specifically, research focuses on the role that tissue interactions play in directing bone and cartilage formation in the face. This work has uncovered a regulatory network among the forebrain, the bone and cartilage precursor cells, and the skin covering the face. This network regulates the growth and patterning of the middle and upper face.
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