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Email: lgersten@bu.edu

Curriculum Vitae

Background

The current focus of my laboratory is to investigate the molecular mechanisms which underlie the repair and regeneration of skeletal tissues. These studies are particularly relevant in the aging population as the prevalence of osteoporosis increases. We approach this by establishing standardized models of fracture healing and distraction osteogenesis in the mouse and the rat, and examine tissue responses using a variety of techniques. Where possible, we use genetically manipulated animal models to delete, inhibit, or overexpress a particular gene and study the healing response. Current topics in our laboratory include the role of bone morphogenetic protein signaling in fracture healing and bone regeneration, the role of angiogenesis in bone regeneration via distraction osteogenesis, the relationship between tissue differentiation and the mechanical strain environment during fracture healing, and the underlying relationships of genetic factors that regulate bone mineral density to bone healing. Our goal is to elucidate the basic mechanisms which control the repair and regeneration of skeletal tissues in order to establish a foundation of knowledge to support studies on pharmacological treatments and tissue engineering technologies to enhance these processes.

Selected Peer-Reviewed Papers