Molecular pathology of the skeleton

This unit operates at facilities located at La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, and at the University of L'Aquila, Italy.

Mission The unit focus is on the definition of cellular and molecular pathogenetic mechanisms of inherited and acquired skeletal diseases. The aim is to develop biological explanations for tissue and organ lesions of clinical import. The approach involves the combined use of human clinical material (biopsies, surgical resection material) as well as of tissues and cells derived from animal models. The general focus is on the role of osteogenic precursor cells in the development of bone lesions, and the definition of the cellular and molecular basis of diseases related to intrinsic defect of cells in the osteogenic lineage.

A major current effort is directed towards the definition of the pathogenesis of fibrous dysplasia of bone and related disorders using a combination of approaches involving both clinical histopathologic material and experimental in vivo and in vitro models. The perspective is the development of science-based, rational treatment modalities for skeletal disorders. Clinical Studies The unit collaborates with the CSDB Skeletal Clinical Protocols by providing Histopathological and molecular diagnosis Application or development of appropriate classification systems Identification and biological interpretation of known and novel tissue lesions occurring in the bone organ. Investigation of the effects of treatment protocols on bone lesions Development and conduction of experimental approaches Staff Paolo Bianco, MD, Pathologist, Professor of Pathology, Universita "La Sapienza". e-mail:p.bianco@flashnet.it ----- Dr. Bianco's CV Mara Riminucci, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Universita dell 'Aquila. e mail:riminucc@univaq.it Alessandro Corsi, MD, Pathologist, Post-doctoral fellow Fernando di Maio, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, Post-doctoral fellow. Benedetto Sacchetti, PhD, Post-doctoral fellow.