Skeletal Biology Laboratory

The SRL consists of two research divisions: Basic and Applied. Each division houses state-of-the-art equipment and has a successful externally funded research program.

The Basic Research Division conducts studies related to regulation of bone growth and turnover at the molecular, cellular, and tissue level.

The Applied Research Division conducts clinical research to understand human musculoskeletal health and to develop, test and implement physical activity programs that reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.

Together, the Basic and Applied Research Divisions span from the basic biology of skeletal health and disease to the application of this knowledge to reduce osteoporosis-related fractures at the public health level and are well positioned to conduct clinical-translational research.

A femur scanned and reconstructed using micro-computed tomography. The femoral neck (not readily visible here between the baseball and glove) is a common fracture site in postmenopausal women.

Recent publications

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2025

Wong, C.P., Keune, J.A., Philbrick, K.A., Branscum, A.J., Iwaniec, U.T., Turner, R.T. (2025) Introduction of Mature Mast Cells into Bone Marrow Alters Bone Metabolism in Growing Mice International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26(24)

Zhakubayev, A., Grant, K.A., Sattgast, L.H., Turner, R.T., Iwaniec, U.T., Benton, M.L. (2025) Ethanol consumption has minimal effects on cancellous bone architecture in femur and lumbar vertebra in two species of non-human primates Bone 203

Turner, R.T., Wong, C.P., Philbrick, K.A., Keune, J.A., Labut, E.M., Menn, S.A., Branscum, A.J., Iwaniec, U.T. (2025) Adoptive Transfer of Lepr+ Bone Marrow Cells Attenuates the Osteopetrotic Phenotype of db/db Mice International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26(11)

Turner, R.T., Kuah, A., Trevisiol, C.H., Howe, K.S., Branscum, A.J., Iwaniec, U.T. (2025) Chronic heavy alcohol consumption impairs the ability of demineralized allogenic bone matrix to support osteoinduction in alcohol-naïve rats Bone Reports 25

Turner, R.T., Philbrick, K.A., Wong, C.P., Fichter, A.R., Branscum, A.J., Iwaniec, U.T. (2025) Leptin potentiates bone loss at skeletal sites distant from focal inflammation in female ob/ob mice Journal of Endocrinology

Lab news and stories

Bone health research team publishes new findings and mentors student presenters
Faculty in the Skeletal Biology Lab recently published two new studies on bone health and disease. Their research explores the effects of chronic alcohol use on bone regeneration and investigates cellular therapies for bone disease.
OSU researchers find new insights into leptin and bone health
College of Health researchers have uncovered how leptin, a hormone critical to energy regulation, contributes to bone loss in female mice, extending beyond localized inflammation to impact distant skeletal sites.
Three nutrition faculty recognized as best scientists in their fields
Maret Traber and Russell Turner were recognized as best scientists in the field of medicine, according to Research.com. Donald Jump was ranked among the best biology and biochemistry scientists.
Gene therapy could aid weight loss without affecting bone loss, new research finds
Oregon State University study finds delivering leptin directly to the brain through gene therapy supports weight loss while preserving bone density, unlike traditional dieting methods.
Of Mice, Astronauts and the Elderly
Oregon State University scientists utilize mice aboard the International Space Station to investigate bone density loss, aiming to develop treatments benefiting astronauts and individuals with osteoporosis.
Inside the mind of researcher Urszula Iwaniec
Urszula Iwaniec’s research at Oregon State University focuses on understanding metabolic bone diseases to enhance bone health and minimize fracture risks, particularly in the elderly.