As an investigator in the Collagen Biology and Genetic Disorders Lab, my research is devoted to understanding underlying mechanisms of collagen-related musculoskeletal disease. My research focuses on collagen post-translational properties in skeletal aging and disease. I have recently become particularly fascinated in the adverse effects of aging on collagen cross-linking. Aging has many adverse effects on connective tissues, including limited joint mobility, increased risk of injury and impaired ability to heal. I am currently investigating the random addition of sugar molecules to collagen, a process called protein glycation, which is thought to contribute to these common musculoskeletal complications associated with aging and diabetes.
