Research OverviewBasic research studies into various aspects of musculoskeletal disease have expanded dramatically during the last few years in Rochester. With a world class research laboratory and internationally recognized faculty, the Department is among those at the forefront of orthopaedic research nationwide. As extramural funding is often judged a key measure of a program's quality, it speaks well that the Department of Orthopaedics' Musculoskeletal Research Division received more than $3.9 million in research funding last year from the National Institutes of Health, specialty foundations, and private donors, ranking it Number 1 of more than 100 centers nationwide. By employing state-of-the-art molecular and genetic research techniques, Rochester orthopaedic scientists are leading the way in key areas of musculoskeletal research. More information on orthopaedic research can be found on the department website. The major focus of our research efforts has been in cellular and molecular biology of growth factor regulation and intracellular signaling in skeletal tissues. A number of critical paracrine and autocrine factors are involved in the control of the behavior of bone, cartilage, and connective tissue. These include BMPs, TGF-betas, FGFs, prostaglandins, and PTHrP. Basic studies by the faculty in the Center for Musculoskeletal research involve molecular mechanisms of regulation of cells by these and other factors. In particular, our focus is on how these mechanisms malfunction in disease processes such as arthritis, pathologic bone resorption, implant loosening, osteoporosis, tumor metastasis to bone, osteomyelitis, and impaired healing of fractures, cartilage defects, and meniscal tears. In addition, fundamental signaling mechanisms in limb development, growth plate function, coupling of osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity, and skeletal toxicities of heavy metals are actively under investigation. Our emphasis is on translational research, i.e., taking discovery at the laboratory bench to treatment at the bedside. We have developed and utilize various animal models of arthritis, osteoporosis, tendon, ligament and meniscus injury and repair, and fracture healing, and encourage resident involvement in research activities. In combination with state-of-the-art biomechanical testing and imaging capabilities, our strong molecular biology and genetics base provides a truly unique environment for translational and clinical research. We currently have 5 NIH-funded clinical trials, and have recently become the only NIH-funded Orthopaedic Center of Research Translation in the country. Our research infrastructure available to the faculty and residents includes administrative support, clinical coordinators, a department biostatistician, a computer scientist and computer support personnel, and a number of research cores, including micro CT and MRI imaging, histopathology, molecular reagent development, and pilot project grant programs.
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