Bone has the unique capability to regenerate after injury. Considerable evidence indicates that the molecular control of this process uses similar pathways as during bone development. It is our aim to investigate these processes in order to understand regeneration and to develop new tools to improve bone healing in patients. We have been investigating gene regulation during fracture healing in the sheep using high throughput sequencing and have analyzed the data using bioinformatic tools. These data have given first insights into the genetic control of fracture healing. BMPs have been used for some time to improve bone formation. However, in some individuals their effect is limited and large amounts of the protein are needed. Based on our findings with the GDF5 mutations we have been developing new BMPs with improved biological activity, for example by manipulating the receptor specificity of by creating BMPs that are resistant to inhibition by e.g. Noggin. These new BMPs are currently being tested in animal models.

Selected publications:

Ott CE, Bauer S, Manke T, Ahrens S, Rödelsperger C, Grünhagen J, Kornak U, Duda G, Mundlos S, Robinson PN. Promiscuous and depolarization-induced immediate-early response genes are induced by mechanical strain of osteoblasts. J Bone Miner Res. 2009 Jul;24(7):1247-62.

Hecht J, Kuhl H, Haas SA, Bauer S, Poustka AJ, Lienau J, Schell H, Stiege AC, Seitz V, Reinhardt R, Duda GN, Mundlos S, Robinson PN. Gene identification and analysis of transcripts differentially regulated in fracture healing by EST sequencing in the domestic sheep. BMC Genomics. 2006 Jul 5;7:172.