Research

Orthopaedics Section

Rocky Tuan, Ph.D.
Acting Chief, Orthopaedics Section
Cartilage Biology and Orthopaedics Branch (CBOB)
Phone: (301) 451-6854
Fax: (301) 402-2724
E-mail: tuanr@mail.nih.gov

Research Overview

The research focus of the Orthopaedic Research Section is on diseases that affect the skeletal tissues, in particular osteoarthritis and other forms of degenerative diseases, including those responsible for pain, discomfort, and disabilities in the lower back and extremities. Sample research areas include: (1) normal and abnormal functions of cells that form the articulating joints of the mature skeleton, (2) mechanisms of action of known and candidate biologics and pharmacological agents for the treatment of such diseases, (3) pathogenesis of cartilage growth plate disorders, (4) molecular basis of degenerative intervertebral disc diseases, and (5) mechanisms of skeletal remodeling and repair. Multidisciplinary approaches are used to study the cells and extracellular matrix of skeletal tissues, in particular the application of genomic and proteomic sciences to identify the molecular markers of skeletal diseases. The overall emphasis is on clinical translation of basic laboratory findings to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of skeletal diseases.


 

Updated September 17, 2007