Inspiring Scientific Curiosity and Discovery

Growth Factor Signaling Pathway Regulation of Skeletal Growth and Adult Bone Homeostasis

David Ornitz is an Alumni Endowed Professor in the Department of Developmental Biology at Washington University School of Medicine. His research uses molecular, genetic, and biochemical approaches to study mesodermal and epithelial patterning, organogenesis, tissue homeostasis, and response to injury. 

The Ornitz lab has a particular interest in the function of Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) signaling pathways in endochondral bone development, postnatal bone growth, and bone homeostasis. In this talk he will explore the role of an FGF receptor (FGFR) signaling center that is located in a unique perichondrial cell population that functions to regulate the activity of the adjacent growth plate. 

He will then discuss studies that explore a novel role for FGFR signaling in the maintenance of osteocyte viability and skeletal homeostasis in adult mice.