Contact

Email
Phone: 416-978-1097

Training

2006 – present
B.A.Sc., Engineering Science – Biomedical Option, University of Toronto

Project

Mechanical loading of bone causes flow of interstitial fluid from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.  Osteocytes embedded in the bone matrix are believed to sense and respond to the shear stress induced by this fluid flow and release signaling molecules for bone remodeling.  The aim of my project is to elucidate how the magnitude, frequency and duration of shear stress relates to the magnitude of the cellular response.  In particular, the mRNA expression of RANKL/OPG and COX-2, indicators for bone resorption and bone formation, respectively.  By variations in the magnitude, frequency, and duration of shear stress, we aim to decrease the RANKL/OPG ratio while maximizing the level of COX-2 to determine the condition which optimizes bone formation and minimizes bone resorption.