Major research areas of our lab:

1. Bone progenitor cell biology

We investigate how skeletal stem and progenitor cells, including OSX positive osteoprogenitors, are regulated during bone development, maintenance, and repair in the context of osteonecrosis. Our work focuses on the signaling pathways and transcriptional programs that control cell survival, differentiation, and regenerative capacity during skeletal injury and disease progression. PMID: 39379711

2. Vascularization

We study the mechanisms that govern blood vessel formation and remodeling in bone, with emphasis on angiogenic signaling and vascular bone crosstalk during osteonecrosis. These studies aim to define how vascular impairment contributes to bone cell death, delayed revascularization, and defective bone healing. PMID:33324652

3. Osteoimmunology

Our research examines interactions between immune cells and bone resident cells during osteonecrosis onset and repair. We focus on how inflammatory cues and immune mediated signaling regulate bone remodeling, tissue repair, and disease progression. PMID: 31186549

4. Pain

Using state of the art approaches, we explore the biological mechanisms underlying musculoskeletal pain associated with osteonecrosis and related degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis. Through preclinical models, we aim to identify cellular and molecular drivers of pain that can be targeted to improve functional recovery and quality of life. PMID: 37664239