Lachlan James Smith, Ph.D.

faculty photo
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Department: Orthopaedic Surgery
Graduate Group Affiliations

Contact information
McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory
378A Stemmler Hall
3450 Hamilton Walk
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Office: 215-746-2169
Fax: 215-573-2133
Education:
B.E. (Mechatronic Engineering)
University of Adelaide, 2001.
Ph.D. (Pathology)
University of Adelaide, 2008.
Permanent link
 
> Perelman School of Medicine   > Faculty   > Details

Description of Research Expertise

The focus of my research program is the pathophysiology and treatment of degenerative and developmental disorders affecting the spine and synovial joints. The scope of our research includes basic mechanistic studies, translational studies in animal models, and clinical studies in human patients. We use cutting edge techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry and bioengineering, coupled with novel in vitro model systems to study disease mechanisms. Our research in the translational space bridges the fields of tissue engineering, biomaterials, drug delivery and stem cells, and is focused on arresting disease progression, restoring spine and joint function and potentiating long term tissue regeneration. We use novel, naturally occurring and inducible large and small animal models to study disease etiology and evaluate therapeutics. Our multidisciplinary team includes biologists, bioengineers, clinicians and veterinarians.

Selected Publications

Lau YK, Iyer K, Friday C, Shetye S, Hast ME, Dodge GR, Casal ML, Gawri R, Smith LJ: Evaluation of Tendon and Ligament Microstructure and Mechanical Properties in a Canine Model of Mucopolysaccharidosis I. Journal of Orthopaedic Research 47(7): 1409-1419, Jul 2024.

Arginteanu T, Gallagher RS, Borja AJ, Glauser G, Smith LJ, Pasha S, DeTurck D, Malhotra NR : Quantifying a novel three-dimensional marker of scoliosis. Spine Deformity 12(1): 231-237, Jan 2024.

Zhang C, Zhong L, Lau YK, Wu M, Yao L, Schaer TP, Mauck RL, Malhotra NR, Qin L, Smith LJ: Single Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Emergent Notochord-Derived Cell Subpopulations in the Postnatal Nucleus Pulposus. FASEB Journal 38(1): e23363, Jan 2024.

Smith LJ, Rajagopal K, Laslow B, Wang D, Schipani E: In Vivo Regulation of Nucleus Pulposus Cell Differentiation and Extracellular Matrix Elaboration by HIF Prolyl Hydroxylases 70th Annual Meeting, Orthopaedic Research Society, Long Beach, USA 2024 Notes: Poster.

Chakraborty LS, Le Maitre CL, Chahine NO, Fields AJ, Gawri R, Giers MB, Smith LJ, Tang SY, Zehra U, Haglund L, Samartzis D, Martin JT: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Productivity and Career Prospects of Musculoskeletal Researchers. Journal of Orthopaedic Research In press 2024.

Maparu AK, Iyer K, Siddiqui Z, Rajagopal K, Mauck RL, Mitchell MJ, Smith LJ: Porous Microcarriers for Sustained Delivery of mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticles to the Intervertebral Disc. ORS/PSRS 7th International Spine Research Symposium, Skytop, USA 2024 Notes: Podium.

Iyer K, Lau YK, Friday CS, Hast MW, Dodge GR, Gawri R, Casal ML, Smith LJ : Evaluation of Tendon and Ligament Microstructure in a Canine Model of Mucopolysaccharidosis I 70th Annual Meeting, Orthopaedic Research Society, Long Beach, USA 2024 Notes: Poster.

Rajagopal K, Schaer TP, Meadows KD, Boyes M, Hilliard R, O'Donnell JC, Dodge GR, Petrov D, Elliott DM, Mauck RL, Malhotra NR, Smith LJ: Ex Vivo Optimization and In Vivo Measurement of Nucleus Pulposus Oxygen, Glucose, and Lactate in a Goat Model of Disc Degeneration 70th Annual Meeting, Orthopaedic Research Society, Long Beach, USA 2024 Notes: Poster Teaser.

Rajagopal K, Schaer TP, Meadows KD, Boyes M, Hilliard R, O'Donnell JC, Dodge GR, Petrov D, Elliott DM, Mauck RL, Malhotra NR, Smith LJ: Alterations in Nucleus Pulposus Oxygen, Glucose and Lactate Concentrations in a Preclinical Goat Model of Disc Degeneration. International for the Study of the Lumbar Spine Annual Meeting, Milan, Italy 2024 Notes: Podium.

Maparu AK, Iyer K, Siddiqui Z, Rajagopal K, Kim J, Mauck RL, Mitchell MJ, Smith LJ: A Novel Porous Microcarrier for Extended Release of mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticles for Musculoskeletal Tissue Repair. 70th Annual Meeting, Orthopaedic Research Society, Long Beach, USA 2024 Notes: Poster.

back to top
Last updated: 10/16/2024
The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
 
Back to Top