UR Faculty: J. Edward Puzas

Ph.D. (1976) University of Rochester	J. Edward Puzas Donald & Mary Clark Professor of Orthopaedics Primary Appointment: Orthopaedics GEBS Cluster Affiliations: CMM - Cellular and Molecular Basis of Medicine PWD - Pathways of Human Disease TOX - Toxicology
Research: Molecular and Cellular Biology of the Skeletal System
Contact Information: E-Mail: Edward_Puzas@urmc.rochester.edu
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 665 Rochester, New York 14642	Medical Center Phone: (585) 275-3664

Research Overview

BONE REMODELING
bone remodeling diagram

Osteoclastic activity excavates a resorption lacunae on a bone surface. During this process regulatory molecules (growth factors) are released from the bone matrix into the surrounding extracellular space. These growth factors stimulate the proliferation of osteoprogenitor cells which eventually replace the resorbed bone. Because bone formation is localized to the resorption lacunae, there must also be present a mechanism for directing the site of new bone synthesis. An imbalance between resorption and formation leads to metabolic bone diseases.

Our current research effort is aimed at understanding the complex way bone and cartilage function. The maintenance of these tissues is critical for structural support as well as mineral homeostasis. A number of autocrine and paracrine factors are involved in this regulation. They include transforming growth factor beta, epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, BMP's, etc. Some of these factors also play a major role in pathological bone formation.

As we understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms for the metabolism of these tissues we will be able to better treat the major bone diseases affecting our society, namely osteoporosis, arthritis, and cancer. Experiments aimed at reversing the bone loss that occurs in osteoporosis are currently underway in our laboratory.

Recent Publications

Sheu, T.J., Schwarz, E.M., O'Keefe, R.J., Rosier, R.N. and Puzas, J.E. (2002) Use of a phage display technique to identify potential osteoblast binding sites within osteoclast lacunae. J. Bone Min. Res. 17: 915-922.

Zhang X. Schwarz EM. Young DA. Puzas JE. Rosier RN. O'Keefe RJ (2002). Cyclooxygenase-2 regulates mesenchymal cell differentiation into the osteoblast lineage and is critically involved in bone repair. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 109:1405-15

Sheu, TJ, Schwarz, EM, Martinez, DA, O'Keefe, RJ, Rosier, RN, Zuscik, MJ, Puzas, JE. (2003) A phage display technique identifies a novel regulator of cell differentiation. J. Biol. Chem. 278: 438-443.

Ionescu AM. Drissi H. Schwarz EM. Kato M. Puzas JE. McCance DJ. Rosier RN. Zuscik MJ. O'Keefe RJ. CREB Cooperates with BMP-stimulated Smad signaling to enhance transcription of the Smad6 promoter. Journal of Cellular Physiology. 198(3):428-40, 2004

Back to Orthopaedics

GEBS Cluster:

CMM

PWD

TOX