Understanding the Gut-Bone Signaling Axis Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications

Laura R. McCabe, PhD is the Director of the Molecular Metabolism and Disease Program at Michigan State University. Dr. McCabe’s research focuses on understanding the mechanisms regulating bone cell (osteoblast) differentiation and bone formation. Her lab is taking an integrative approach to examine bone adaptation to diseases (such as diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease) and is working toward identifying mechanisms regulating bone formation by osteoblasts.  Approaches include examination of transcription factor activity, intracellular signaling pathway activation, stem cell lineage selection, apoptosis, metabolism and immune system contributions utilizing cell culture systems, animal models and human imaging. Dr. McCabe’s lab is also developing therapeutics to target identified mechanisms and pathways to increase bone formation.