Roberto Civitelli, M.D. (Acting Director)

DEPARTMENT OF Internal Medicine
Su-Li Cheng, Ph.D.; Patricia Collin-Osdoby, Ph.D.; Keith A. Hruska, M.D.; Beth S. Lee, Ph.D.; Philip A. Osdoby, Ph.D.; Leonard Rifas, M.S.
Keywords: cell biology, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, integrins, osteotrophic factors, signal transduction

Skeletal remodeling is characterized by a series of coupled sequential interactions between osteoblastic and osteoclastic precursors and the more differentiated bone-forming osteoblast and bone-resorbing osteoclast. This remodeling is controlled by a complex paracrine-endocrine-autocrine interplay between local and systemic osteotrophic factors.

Our multidisciplinary program uses the techniques and concepts of cell and molecular biology to analyze cellular modes of biological responses to osteotrophic factors. We also pursue the role of cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction in the transduction of these responses.

Research activities emphasize the isolation and identification of factors produced by osteoblasts that induce the differentiation of precursor cells into resorptive osteoclasts and lead to the expression and synthesis of cell matrix (integrins) and other cell adhesion molecules. We also examine the relationship between regulation of osteoblast differentiation by osteotrophic factors and the effect of these factors on cell communication via these integrins and cell adhesion molecules.