The research interest of my laboratory revolves around diseases of the skeleton such as osteoporosis, arthritis and some skeletal cancers. My goal is to perform basic science laboratory investigations that will ultimately be translatable into human trials. Specifically, in the area of osteoporosis we are investigating the mechanisms by which bone forming cells communicate with bone resorbing cells for the maintenance of skeletal mass. We have utilized state-of-the-art molecular techniques to search for regulatory pathways in these cells. Also, new evidence suggests that agents that are toxic to bone, such as lead, may also contribute to osteoporosis.

       In the area of arthritis, our goal is to devise novel gene therapeutic approaches to cure or arrest the progression of the disease. Viral vectors are being used to deliver specific genes to cells that are involved in the destruction of joint surfaces

       Prostate cancer and breast cancer are two malignancies that preferentially metastasize to the skeleton. Our interest in this area of research to uncover the signals used by the cancer cells in establishing a bony lesion and possibly devise therapies to prevent the spread of these cancers

       The Musculoskeletal Research Unit is comprised of approximately 25 individuals with research interests devoted to skeletal biology. The Unit has regular lab meetings, journal clubs and is active in national forums.

Recent Publications

Puzas JE, Houck J, Bukata SV. 2006. Accelerated fracture healing. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. Oct;14(10 Suppl):S145-151.

Lai YC, Shaftel SS, Miller JN, Tallents RH, Chang Y, Pinkert CA, Olschowka JA, Dickerson IM, Puzas JE, O'Banion MK, Kyrkanides S. 2006. Intraarticular induction of interleukin-1beta expression in the adult mouse, with resultant temporomandibular joint pathologic changes, dysfunction, and pain. Arthritis Rheum. Apr;54(4):1184-1197.

Dai CY, Haqq CM, Puzas JE. 2006. Molecular correlates of site-specific metastasis. Semin Radiat Oncol. Apr;16(2):102-10.

Carmouche JJ, Puzas JE, Zhang X, Tiyapatanaputi P, Cory-Slechta DA, Gelein R, Zuscik M, Rosier RN, Boyce BF, O'Keefe RJ, Schwarz EM. Lead exposure inhibits fracture healing and is associated with increased chondrogenesis, delay in cartilage mineralization, and a decrease in osteoprogenitor frequency. Environ Health Perspect. Jun;113(6):749-755.

Gordon AH, O'Keefe RJ, Schwarz EM, Rosier RN, Puzas JE. 2005. Nuclear factor-kappaB-dependent mechanisms in breast cancer cells regulate tumor burden and osteolysis in bone. Cancer Res. 2005 Apr 15;65(8):3209-3217.

Campbell JR, Rosier RN, Novotny L, and Puzas JE. 2004. The association between environmental lead exposure and bone density in children. Environ Health Perspect. Aug;112(11):1200-1203.

Yu HM, Jerchow B, Sheu TJ, Liu B, Costantini F, Puzas JE, Birchmeier W, Hsu W. 2005. The role of Axin2 in calvarial morphogenesis and craniosynostosis. Development. Apr;132(8):1995-2005.

Ferguson CM, Schwarz EM, Puzas JE, Zuscik MJ, Drissi H, and O’Keefe RJ. 2004. Transforming growth factor-beta1 induced alteration of skeletal morphogenesis in vivo. J Orthop Res. Jul;22(4):687-696.

Zuscik MJ, Baden JF, Wu Q, Sheu TJ, Schwarz EM, Drissi H, O’Keefe RJ, Puzas JE, and Rosier RN. 2004. 5-azacytidine alters TGF-beta and BMP signaling and induces maturation in articular chondrocytes. J Cell Biochem. May 15;92(2):316-331.

Ionescu AM, Drissi H, Schwarz EM, Kato M, Puzas JE, McCance DJ, Rosier RN, Zuscik MJ, and O’Keefe RJ. 2004. CREB Cooperates with BMP-stimulated Smad signaling to enhance transcription of the Smad6 promoter. J Cell Physiol. Mar;198(3):428-440.