Anushi Varma
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Kurt Hankenson
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Orthopaedic Surgery / Medicine
Program: UROPF
Session: Session 3 (11:00am – 11:50am)
Authors: Heather Wilson, Kurt Hankenson
Abstract
In studying bone regeneration, the Notch signaling pathway plays an active regulatory role through its interactions with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). BMP is the only FDA approved bone growth factor that is used clinically to promote bone formation. BMP has shown significant negative side effects, thus there is a need to better study BMP signaling. Developing a better understanding of the relationship between Notch signaling and BMP will expand patient treatment options for bone-related injuries. The Hankenson lab has identified that BMP and Notch signaling interact in vitro; however, there is less known about their interaction in vivo. This project aims to study whether Notch signaling is necessary for BMP-induced bone regeneration. As well, we are studying the impact of Notch signaling on mesenchymal progenitor cell expansion and differentiation during BMP-mediated bone defect healing in mice. In order to study Notch signaling, the lab utilizes a mouse calvarial defect model. This model is used to study bone healing by measuring the intramembranous bone formation at defect sites. Our hypothesis is that Notch signaling is required for the activation and expansion of mesenchymal cells during BMP-induced calvarial bone regeneration. Future studies will focus on the Notch and BMP pathways in osteoblastogenesis and study the relationship between these pathways in animal models.
