Research Bio
The major focus of my research is to study the regulation of bone cell function in inflammatory bone loss using combinations of genetically modified animals, in vivo imaging technologies, histology and in vitro cellular and molecular approaches. I have two established research programs which are funded by NIH to investigate the molecular mechanisms mediating increased osteoclastic bone resorption and reduced osteoblastic bone formation in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients with RA suffer from joint inflammation and bone erosion as well as systemic osteoporosis. In one program, we are investigating the mechanism by which pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF affects joint tissue injury in RA through the regulation of function of osteoclasts and precursors.
In another program, we are investigating the role of ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation in osteoblast function in RA. Currently, we are testing the hypothesis that an inflammatory bone marrow environment increases proteasome-mediated protein degradation in mesenchymal stem cells and inhibits their differentiation to osteoblast precursors, accounting for inflammation-mediated bone loss. The ultimate goal of our research is to provide pre-clinical information that is useful for developing agents that improve bone health in patients with chronic inflammatory disorders.
2009 Nov 1
Zhang M, Yan Y, Lim YB, Tang D, Xie R, Chen A, Tai P, Harris SE, Xing L, Qin YX, Chen D. "BMP-2 modulates beta-catenin signaling through stimulation of Lrp5 expression and inhibition of beta-TrCP expression in osteoblasts." Journal of cellular biochemistry. 2009 Nov 1; 108(4):896-905. |
2009 Oct
Yao Z, Xing L, Boyce BF. "NF-kappaB p100 limits TNF-induced bone resorption in mice by a TRAF3-dependent mechanism." The Journal of clinical investigation. 2009 Oct 0; 119(10):3024-34. Epub 2009 Sep 21. |
2009 Sep
Guo R, Zhou Q, Proulx ST, Wood R, Ji RC, Ritchlin CT, Pytowski B, Zhu Z, Wang YJ, Schwarz EM, Xing L. "Inhibition of lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic drainage via vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 blockade increases the severity of inflammation in a mouse model of chronic inflammatory arthritis." Arthritis and rheumatism. 2009 Sep 0; 60(9):2666-76. |
2009 Aug
Jonason JH, Xiao G, Zhang M, Xing L, Chen D. "Post-translational Regulation of Runx2 in Bone and Cartilage." Journal of dental research. 2009 Aug 0; 88(8):693-703. |
2008 Aug 22
Guo R, Yamashita M, Zhang Q, Zhou Q, Chen D, Reynolds DG, Awad HA, Yanoso L, Zhao L, Schwarz EM, Zhang YE, Boyce BF, Xing L. "Ubiquitin ligase Smurf1 mediates tumor necrosis factor-induced systemic bone loss by promoting proteasomal degradation of bone morphogenetic signaling proteins." The Journal of biological chemistry. 2008 Aug 22; 283(34):23084-92. Epub 2008 Jun 19. |
