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Michael Hadjiargyrou, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering,
Genetics and Orthopaedics.
Funding through the National Institutes of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal
and Skin Diseases.
Michael Hadjiargyrou is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms
that underlie bone development and regeneration (i.e. fracture repair).
The repair of a fractured bone is a complex biological event that essentially
recapitulates embryonic development and requires the orchestration of
a number of different cell types undergoing proliferation, migration,
adhesion and differentiation, all under the direct control of a host of
different genes. It is precisely for this reason that his laboratory investigates
gene expression during the progression of a healing callus through its
various stages (e.g. inflammation, intramembranous and endochondral ossification,
remodeling). The latest methods in molecular/cellular biology are applied
in the pursuit of gene discovery, gene structure and function analysis,
expression studies and functional perturbations. By identifying and studying
genes that play essential roles during the healing process, we hypothesize
that this knowledge will facilitate a greater understanding in our ability
to elucidate the process of bone development and regeneration and identify
ideal gene candidates for possible therapeutic intervention, especially
in fractures that have difficulty healing (e.g. delayed and non-unions).
Figure 1. DNA Microarray analysis.
Left Panel shows an actual gene filter following hybridization
with RNA derived from intact bone. This filter contains 5,000
different genes (1,700 known and 3,300 unknown). Differential
expression is then determined by comparing levels of activity
for a given gene represented by a "dot", with another membrane
hybridized to fracture |
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Through the use of multiple molecular-based techniques (i.e. differential
mRNA display, DNA microarrays and suppressive subtractive hybridization),
we have identified thousands of genes that are differentially expressed
during bone regeneration (Figure 1). We are now in the process of carrying
out gene structure and function experiments in order to elucidate the
nature of several of these genes and their significance in cells participating
in wound healing. These types of experiments should facilitate future
therapies for the augmentation of fracture repair.
Student Background: Students interested in learning molecular and cellular
techniques to study the structure and function of genes/cells. Students
with a background in cell and molecular biology and a desire to use engineering
principles to study biological problems are encouraged to apply.
Contact Information
email: Michael.Hadjiargyrou@sunysb.edu
url: http://www.bme.sunysb.edu/bme/people/faculty/m_hadji.html
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