Mineralized Tissues and Extracellular Matrix Biology

Research

Skeletal, dental, and connective tissue biology research at McGill is, and has long been, world-class. A large group of researchers has been assembled to consolidate our strength in researching fundamental questions pertaining to mineralized tissue and extracellular matrix biology, the 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 for studying connective tissue disorders and organ cross-talk; (3) provide tissue-engineered, synthetic, bioactive extracellular matrix grafts for implantation into connective tissues; and (4) in collaboration with the biomaterials and tissue engineering group, provide protein/peptide-activated implantable devices for connective tissue and mineralized tissue healing and regeneration.

Researchers

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

Associate and Adjunct Researchers

Pierre Moffatt Osteogenesis imperfecta Osteoblast and chondrocyte differentiation and function Genetically engineered mouse models Tooth mineralization and gingival seal Fundamental and applied cellular and molecular mechanisms of mineralized tissue development and associated genetic disorders