Mechanical forces impact craniofacial development and health through effects on cells and tissues. We investigate how changes in biomechanics (the movement of tissues and balance of mechanical forces in them) impact tissue health and degeneration to understand arthritic and degenerative diseases. We use fundamental studies in mechanobiology (the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving cell and tissue responses to physical forces) to understand biomechanical results and to design therapies for functional tissue regeneration.
CCR faculty researchers focusing on mechanobiology include: