Bone Biology and Bone Pathology

With an interdisciplinary perspective, the Center of Bone Biology is dedicated to the study of bone structure at all of its hierarchical levels, mechanisms regulating bone remodeling, and age-related bone deterioration resulting in increased bone fragility. More specifically, through several projects supported by national and international grants, we investigated the bone structure and adaptation during growth, age-related changes in micro-architectural and mechanical bone properties, the influence of mechanical stress on bone internal architecture, causes of increased tooth fragility, and nanoscale characteristics contributing to the overall quality of bone and its resistance to fracture. Our current research is focused on the determinants of bone fragility in frequent chronic diseases (such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and chronic liver diseases) in the aged population. Our research will create a solid basis for designing better algorithms for fracture risk assessment in patients with various comorbidities, which can significantly contribute to the timely prevention and therapy of bone fragility in this population.

In addition, an important segment of our research work is the designing and manufacturing of patients-specific medical models required for bone defect reconstruction and the testing of different bone-replacing materials, with a special emphasis on their biocompatibility and mimicry of the natural bone structure.