Myeloid Cell Engineering to Treat Osteoclast Deficiency and Ectopic Calcification
Speaker Details:
Dr. Ceci Giachelli
University of Washington, Dept. of Bioengineering
Lecture Details:
May 27, 2021
12:30 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Professor of Bioengineering; Adjunct Professor of Oral Health Sciences
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Abstract:
Osteoclast deficiency is thought to contribute to several clinically relevant pathologies, including medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and Heterotopic Ossification (HO). We have developed mouse models of these conditions that reproduce some key aspects of the human clinical conditions. Furthermore, we have engineered conditionally inducible myeloid osteoclast precursors to use for 1) mechanistic studies and 2) potential cell therapies. In this presentation, I will describe development of these innovations and share our data to date.
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Giachelli received a B.S. in Biochemistry from UC Davis and Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of Washington. She is Professor of Bioengineering and Adjunct Professor of Oral Health Sciences at UW. Dr. Giachelli is internationally recognized for her work investigating the molecular mechanisms of biomaterial biocompatibility, ectopic calcification and phosphate signaling. Her studies have led to the discovery of key inducers and inhibitors that contribute to ectopic calcification in the setting of chronic kidney disease, valve disease, atherosclerosis and medical devices. These discoveries are currently being translated to therapeutic strategies to block inappropriate calcification in disease and biomaterials development. Other key areas of research include control of inflammation and foreign body reaction, regenerative medicine, cell and tissue engineering. Dr. Giachelli is an elected fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and the Washington State Academy of Sciences, and recipient of the American Heart Association Established Investigator Award, the Advances in Mineral Metabolism Investigator Award, and the Society for Vascular Surgeons Alexander Clowes Memorial Lectureship.
