Integrated Training in Bone Biology, Biomechanics, and Regeneration (IT3BR)

Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN

Investigators

Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract The goal of this new program is to train, educate, and mentor the next generation of biologists, engineers, physiologists, and biochemists in the intradisciplinary field of musculoskeletal research, with a focus on bone biology, biomechanics, and regeneration. Multiple diseases along with aging impede the ability of the skeleton to protect organs, facilitate movement, contribute to mineral homeostasis, and sustain healthy bone marrow. Degeneration of bone and impaired fracture healing can greatly impact a person’s quality of life. Given the diverse structure, function, and tissue types that comprise the musculoskeletal system, an integrated and clinically-informed approach to training is required to keep bone and joints healthy. For example, identifying new ways to prevent fractures requires an understanding of tissue anatomy, molecular biology, pharmacology, genetics, vascular biology, material science, biochemistry, and engineering mechanics. Moreover, a translational training environment is essential to develop musculoskeletal research scientists that will solve the complex scope of clinical problems affecting the health of the skeleton. Our proposed training program, organized through the Vanderbilt Center for Bone Biology, will support the education, mentorship, and research of 3 predoctoral graduate students and 2 post-doctoral fellows for 2 years. Individualized mentorship will be led by faculty across multiple departments: Biomedical Engineering; Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering; Dermatology; Medicine; Orthopaedic Surgery; Pediatrics; and Radiology & Radiological Sciences. Mentors also hold primary and secondary appointments in multiple departments that have graduate programs such as Biochemistry; Cell & Developmental Biology; Pathology, Microbiology, & Immunology; Molecular Physiology & Biophysics; and Pharmacology. Our mix of clinical and research faculty will facilitate opportunities to observe physicians seeing patients in their clinics and hands-on training in bone-specific techniques. Program activities will include seminars by invited speakers, faculty lectures on the musculoskeletal system, annual career development seminars, work- in-progress presentations, student-led journal club, and opportunities to participate in our annual musculoskeletal research symposium. Going beyond the scope of predoctoral student’s didactic coursework in their graduate program, our program provides a focused curriculum on the basics of bone biology, osteoimmunology, fracture repair, skeletal development, bone mechanics, imaging, and clinical diagnosis and management of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Professional skills needed for success will be further developed through professional- association conferences where trainees can present their research to other scientists and network with peers and potential employers. Structured progress evaluations will further enhance the students’ success in the program. Encouraging life-long learning and scientific integrity as key to a successful career, the program will provide an inclusive environment for trainees to investigate ideas with integrity and rigor and to have ample opportunities for perfecting communication skills, developing resilience, and acquiring leadership tools.