Mineralized Tissues and Extracellular Matrix Biology

Research

Skeletal, dental and connective tissue biology research at McGill is world-class, with a long history of excellence. A large group of researchers has been assembled to consolidate our strength in researching fundamental questions pertaining to mineralized tissue and extracellular matrix biology, influence of the skeleton in organ and tissue cross-talk, and translational research and clinical trials in these fields.

Knowledge translation goals

Our research will: (1) provide new therapies that enhance mineralization in soft bones and teeth, and limit ectopic, debilitating pathologic calcification, (2) provide new animal models to study connective tissue disorders and organ cross-talk, (3) provide tissue-engineered, synthetic, bioactive extracellular matrix grafts for implantation into connective tissues, and (4) provide protein/peptide-activated implantable devices for connective tissue and mineralized tissue healing and regeneration in collaboration with the biomaterials and tissue engineering group.

Researchers

	Dr. Mari Kaartinen Bone formation Osteoblast differentiation and signaling Matrix biology Transglutaminase enzymes
	Dr. Svetlana Komarova Bone physiology Osteoclast Osteoblast Bioenergetics Mathematical modeling
	Dr. Marc McKee Biomineralization Mineralized Tissues Bone Teeth Extracellular Matrix Biology Pathologic Calcification
	Dr. Monzur Murshed Transgenic models Bone remodelling Bone mineralization Osteoblastogenesis Arterial calcification
	Dr. Dieter Reinhardt Extracellular matrix Connective tissue disorders Fibrillins Microfibrils Protein function
	Dr. Elizabeth Zimmermann