Osteoclasts are large, multinucleated cells responsible for bone resorption through the secretion of acid and proteolytic enzymes. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms that govern osteoclast activity is essential for addressing bone loss associated with both normal physiological remodeling and inflammatory conditions such as periodontal disease and arthritis.
Epigenetic modifications—including histone acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitylation—play a pivotal role in regulating gene expression by altering chromatin accessibility and influencing transcriptional machinery. These reversible changes to DNA structure are central to the concept of gene expression regulation. The Mansky lab is interested in understanding a form of epigenetic memory, or trained innate immunity which offers a protection against infections and malignancies. However trained innate immunity can become maladaptive in chronic inflammatory diseases like periodontitis. Recent research has revealed that this dysregulated immune memory contributes to inflammatory comorbidities such as periodontitis and arthritis, primarily through the overproduction of myeloid cells.
With the advent of single cell sequencing it has become easier to determine differences in cell populations between skeletal sites and pathological conditions. Using single cell sequencing the Mansky lab has uncovered a distinct inflammatory transcriptomic profile of the mandibular-derived CD11b+ cells as compared to the femur-derived cells. Additionally, we show increased expression of key inflammatory genes in both mouse and human mandibular-derived monocytes as compared to cells derived from the femur with a correlating increase in open chromatin regions.
Advising Statement
My goal as a mentor is to create an environment that is supportive and allows for my trainees to develop their scientific and professional skills. I will work with each trainee to help them develop the technical, presentation, scientific writing, and independent thinking skills necessary to be a successful scientist.
For information about research opportunities: Email Kim Mansky at kmansky@umn.edu
Lab located at 16-146 Moos Tower, University of Minnesota, 515 Delaware ST SE, Minneapolis MN 55455