Skeletal Mechanobiology and Biomechanics: With aging or osteoporosis, bone mass and strength are diminished, leading to an increase in fracture risk. Mechanical loading is a powerful stimulus for formation of new bone and thus could potentially be used to enhance bone mass and strength. Our lab utilizes several in vivo mechanical loading models to examine how bones respond to increased loading. These approaches range from mild loading using whole-body vibration to fatigue loading that produces stress fractures. Our overall goals are two-fold. First, we seek to better understand the mechanical and molecular factors that regulate loading-induced bone formation. Second, we seek to evaluate clinically relevant loading strategies. We utilize multidisciplinary methods to assess skeletal responses in our studies, including micro-computed tomography (mCT), positron emission tomography (PET), gene expression by real-time PCR and microarray analysis, dynamic and static histomorphometry, and mechanical testing. In a collaborative project, we are utilizing mouse genetic methods to identify genes that regulate bone size and strength, and that may regulate the interaction between body composition (fat) and bone properties.

Tendon and Tendon-Bone Healing: In a collaborative project we are studying the healing responses of tendons injured in their midsubstance and at their insertions into bone. Our goal is to identify surgical and rehabilitation variables that enhance the rapid recovery of structural stiffness and strength, and to explore biological enhancements of healing. Current efforts focus on delivery of growth factors to enhance tendon and bone matrix synthesis.