UNDERSTANDING THE GUT BONE SIGNALING AXIS MECHANISMS AND THERAPEUTIC IMPLICATIONS (HB 2017)

This is the first book compiling current research on the gut-bone signaling axis and its implications in the pathophysiology of GI and bone diseases. Rather than focusing on a single mechanism, this book provides the reader with a broad view on gut-bone signaling and the most up-to-date information in this rapidly growing area.  The volume is also unique in that it looks at what is known about GI diseases affecting bone and then examines the role of the microbiome and its modulation by pre and probiotics to treat bone disease, placing this topic within the context of gut-bone signaling pathways. Understanding the Gut-Bone Signaling Axis will thus provide an understanding of how various therapies could be applied to this area.

Laura R. McCabe, PhD is the Director of the Molecular Metabolism and Disease Program at Michigan State University. Dr. McCabe’s research focuses on understanding the mechanisms regulating bone cell (osteoblast) differentiation and bone formation. Her lab is taking an integrative approach to examine bone adaptation to diseases (such as diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease) and is working toward identifying mechanisms regulating bone formation by osteoblasts.  Approaches include examination of transcription factor activity, intracellular signaling pathway activation, stem cell lineage selection, apoptosis, metabolism and immune system contributions utilizing cell culture systems, animal models and human imaging. Dr. McCabe’s lab is also developing therapeutics to target identified mechanisms and pathways to increase bone formation.