Information For:

Research

Research interests in the Duffy Cell Biology Laboratory range from the use of genetically modified animals and their cellular derivatives, and cutting-edge living cell lineage tracing technologies to high-throughput genomic and proteomic screen approaches to identify pharmacological targets that can be applied to mobilize bone and cartilage stem/progenitors in vitro and in vivo for skeletal regeneration and antidegeneration. 

Dr. Yang studies the regulation of development and homeostasis of bone and cartilage by protein tyrosine kinases (PTK) and phosphatases (PTP). One direction of his research focuses on how the viability, proliferation and chondrocytic differentiation of cartilage stem cells/progenitors are modulated by PTK and PTP. He also has a research interest in cellular signaling pathways that control the differentiation and function of osteoclasts and bone mineral homeostasis.

Our tissue engineering research (led by Dr. Bilgen) focuses on the investigation of the effects of biophysical and biochemical factors on chondrogenesis and the development of tissue-engineered musculoskeletal tissue such as cartilage and meniscus. Engineered tissues can be used to restore cartilage function after traumatic cartilage injuries and may prevent diseases such as arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Our stem cell research (led by Dr. Jayasuriya) focuses on the investigation of adult stem cell populations for regenerating soft tissue and cartilage. 

Research Projects

Stem Cell Based Therapies (Dr. Jayasuriya)

Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering (Dr. Bilgen)

Cartilage Research Laboratory (Dr. Owens)