Research Themes
Human Musculoskeletal & Craniofacial Health
Osteogenesis Imperfecta
The Menegaz Lab is investigate the cellular and structural mechanisms underlying the development of craniofacial phenotypes in a mouse model of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle bone disease.
OI is a genetic disorder of Type I collagen and is characterized by skeletal fragility and increased fracture susceptibility. Pediatric patients with OI suffer from the underdevelopment of the midface and jaws, severe dental malocclusions (underbite), impacted teeth, and in some cases compromised tooth mechanical properties.
Our research uses a mouse model of OI to ask how these skeletal and dental issues develop in the craniofacial complex. We are also investigating behavioral and pharmaceutical interventions to prevent and/or alleviate these issues in OI patients.
Early Life Stress
We are currently collaborating with the Jones Lab at UNTHSC to investigate how stressors during early life, such as maternal separation and early weaning, affect the growth and function of craniofacial tissues including bone, muscle, and brain. The goal of this research is to better understand whether environmental stress and biobehavioral factors may contribute to musculoskeletal dysmorphologies and/or differences in brain development.
Musculoskeletal Biomechanics and Aging
We are also interested in the interactions among behavior, biomechanical loading, and aging in the human musculoskeletal system. Examples of previous lab projects:
