MECHBIO

Melissa L. Knothe Tate, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Director, Experimental and Computational Mechanobiology Laboratories Director, Computational Think Tank for Multiscale Modeling of Biological and Bio-Inspired Systems Office: Room 512A, Wickenden Building Room 219, Olin building Phone: (216)-368-5884 Fax: (216)-368-4969 Email: knothetate@case.edu Mail Address: Room 319 Wickenden Building 10900 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44106-7207

Selected links: • Department of Biomedical Engineering • Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering >> • Orthopedic Research Center >> • Curriculum vitae • PubMed Citations >> • Experimental and Computational Mechanobiology Laboratories • Back to MechBio Team

Research Summary

Osteocytes, osteoclasts, osteoblasts and pluripotent cells within bone marrow form a functional syncytium linking cells deep within bone tissue to cells on bone surfaces and/or within close proximity to the vascular system. This cellular network permits transmission of chemical, electrical and mechanical signals between cells that have the machinery to remodel bone tissue (osteocytes, osteoclasts, osteoblasts) and those with the capacity to affect the population of bone remodeling cells (pluripotent cells and monocytes in the marrow, circulating blood) as well as to invoke a systemic response. Remodeling events appear highly "choreographed," but the signaling and timing of interactions between osteocytes, osteoclasts and osteoblasts are not clear. A primary focus of the Computational and Experimental Mechanobiology Laboratories is to understand these interactions. Specifically, we aim to uncover mechanisms underlying processes of growth, adaptation, and repair of musculoskeletal tissues, in particular, bone. Furthermore, we are exploiting insights gained from these studies to develop drug delivery systems for skeletal tissues and new bioactive endoprostheses designed to optimize osseointegration. In addition, we are applying this knowledge to optimize function of tissue-engineered bone. Finally, new prophylactic treatment modalities to prevent osteopenia due to osteoporosis and disuse are under study.

Recent Publications