Wei Chen, M.D. Research Scholar Zhijie Chang, Ph.D. Ken Shimizu, D.D.S Postdoctoral Fellows Wenji Deng, Ph.D. Yuqiong Liang, M.D Kalu U. Ogbureke, M.Sc. There are over one hundred human genetic syndromes known to result in craniofacial abnormalities. Although hundreds of thousands of children are affected each year, the genes responsible for these inherited diseases remain largely unknown.
Osteoporosis is the most common human bone disease, leading to hip and vertebral fractures.
Research in Dr. Li s laboratory is directed toward understanding the molecular basis of craniofacial development, as well as mechanisms of bone formation and bone resorption. Bone formation and bone resorption are physiologically controlled by the activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Imbalances in these activities can arise from a variety of hormonal or inflammatory perturbations, resulting in skeletal abnormalities characterized by decreased bone mass, as in osteoporosis, or increased bone mass, in osteopetrosis. Increased osteoclast activity is seen in many osteopenic disorders, including postmenopausal osteoporosis, Paget s disease, bone metastases, periodontitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Major objectives of research in the Li laboratory are to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that control bone formation and bone resorption.