McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory

Description of Other Expertise

1. Adult Stem Cell Biology
We investigate the mechanisms that regulate adult stem cell identity, quiescence, activation, and regenerative competence. Our laboratory combines genetics, intravital imaging, and mechanobiology to understand how stem cells preserve tissue integrity throughout life and how these processes fail during aging and disease.

2. Regenerative Biology and Regenerative Medicine
Our laboratory studies the biological principles that govern tissue regeneration and repair. Using skeletal and cardiac muscle as model systems, we identify mechanisms that can be leveraged to restore regenerative capacity in degenerative diseases, including muscular dystrophies, cardiomyopathies, and age-related tissue decline.

3. Advanced Imaging - Intravital Imaging and Quantitative Stem Cell Analysis
We develop and apply intravital microscopy, quantitative imaging, and genetic reporter models to visualize stem cell behavior in vivo, enabling real-time analysis of stem cell dynamics, heterogeneity, and interactions with the regenerative niche.

4. Mechanobiology
We investigate how mechanical forces regulate stem cell identity, tissue homeostasis, and regeneration. Our work has identified mechanotransduction pathways that govern regenerative competence and represent potential therapeutic targets for degenerative disease.

5. Muscular Dystrophy and Cardiomyopathy
We investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive regenerative failure in Duchenne muscular dystrophy, with particular emphasis on stem cell dysfunction, telomere biology, and regenerative therapeutics.

Description of Research Expertise

Our research seeks to uncover the fundamental biological principles that govern adult stem cell identity, tissue homeostasis, and regenerative repair. Using skeletal and cardiac muscle as powerful model systems, we investigate how stem cells integrate mechanical, molecular, and cellular signals to maintain tissue integrity throughout life and why these processes fail during aging and degenerative disease. By combining stem cell biology, mechanobiology, genetics, advanced imaging, and translational models, our laboratory aims to develop new therapeutic strategies for muscular dystrophies, cardiomyopathies, and other disorders of impaired regeneration.