Professor Deepak Vashishth will give a guest lecture at Auditorium 1 at the Institute of Clinical Dentistry on Friday 23 January at 12:15.
The Biomolecular Science and Engineering of Bone Matrix
Alterations in cellular functions and post-translational modifications of proteins have been implicated in a number of diseases and age-related conditions. However, the scope of their role in modifying the extracellular matrix of bone and its subsequent impact on bone fracture and regeneration remains unclear. The use of small-biomechanics in conjunction with proteomics tools, mechanical modeling, well as in vitro cell-tissue cultures has allowed us an unprecedented access into the mechanisms of bone fragility, fracture and regeneration of bone's extracellular matrix. This talk will present results from our recent studies in which in vivo models and in vitro systems are used to knockout and modify select collagenous and non-collagenous bone matrix proteins in order to determine the bimolecular basis of bone fragility associated with aging, diabetes and treatment for post-menopausal osteoporosis. Based on the results, matrix based strategies for prediction and prophylactic treatment of fragility fractures will be discussed.