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My training as a matrix biologist started in 1997 in the laboratory of Drs. Roswitha Nischt and Thomas Krieg at the University of Cologne, Germany, where I completed my doctoral thesis on the structure of basal lamina, a specialized extracellular membrane with crucial biological functions.Ìý
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In early 2001, I joined the laboratory of Dr. Gerard Karsenty, a leading bone biologist at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, as a post-doctoral fellow, where I conducted research on the mechanisms of extracellular matrix mineralization. I generated and analyzed several transgenic animal models to characterize the in vivo function of a potent mineralization inhibitor – Matrix Gla protein (MGP). In a separate study, I used a combination of 9 different mouse models and cell culture-based experiments to demonstrate that bone and tooth matrix mineralization can be explained, at least in part, by the unique co-expression of broadly expressed genes. Apart from these projects related to extracellular matrix mineralization, I conducted research on the regulation of bone mass by the parasympathetic nervous system.Ìý
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After joining McGill University, I continued to pursue my research on the mechanism of extracellular matrix mineralization (ECM) in both 'hard' and 'soft' tissues. At the same time, I took initiatives to expand my research expertise into other areas of bone biology e.g. skeletal development and the regulation of bone remodeling.Ìý
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Over the past fifteen years, I have been working as an ECM biologist, twelve years of which have been devoted to studying the mechanisms of biomineralization. During this time, I have generated and analyzed many gene-targeted and transgenic animal models relevant to my research. My work is currently funded by CIHR and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.Ìý