Exploring molecular and cellular mechanisms of bone formation, remodeling and adipogenesis in the bone marrow

Our research focuses on understanding how extracellular environment regulates cell behavior in bone and fat tissues. We are specifically interested in understanding how transglutaminase enzymes, particularly Factor XIII-A, and its substrate plasma fibronectin modulate mesenchymal stem cell survival, function and differentiation to adipocytes and osteoblasts and how defects in their function may be linked to pathophysiology of osteoporosis, and adipose tissue function. We are also interested in transglutaminase-mediated mechanisms of monocyte-macrophage differentiation to osteoclasts and extracellular matrix-mediated cell communication and coupling in the bone marrow. Our expertise involves transgenic animal models and animal models of disease, cell and extracellular matrix biology, biochemistry and chemical biology.