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Staff Appointment:
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Research Investigator,
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
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| Specialty: |
Orthopaedic Surgery
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| Research Interests: |
Dr. Alford's research program focuses on the interactions between extracellular matrix (ECM) components and osteoblast lineage cells, and it is based on the premise that the biological effects of a given matrix molecule will depend on the environment in which it is presented to the cell. Specifically, an ECM protein presented as part of the loose fibrous network of marrow would look different to a cell than the same ECM protein found in the dense, mineralized bone matrix. In this context, we are studying an ECM protein called thrombospondin 2 (TSP2). TSP2 is a component of both bone marrow and bone. TSP2 regulates differentiation of osteoblast precursor cells in multiple contexts, including development and fracture healing. Preliminary data also indicate that TSP2 modulates mineral production. We are using osteoblast cell culture to study TSP2 as a secreted protein and as a part of cell-derived extracellular matrix. In addition, we are using various tools to manipulate TSP2 expression in cell culture, as well as in knock-out and transgenic mouse models. Together, with published data suggesting that TSP2 modulates marrow-derived stem cell differentiation, these experiments will help elucidate specific, context-dependent effects of TSP2 on bone cell physiology. |
Education and Credentialing: |
| Degree: |
Ph.D., 2000, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
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