Tamara Alliston, PhD

Professor
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Research Overview: 

Our research focuses on the molecular pathways controlling mesenchymal stem cell differentiation, how these pathways coordinate with physical cues to influence mechanical integrity of normal skeletal tissue, and how they can be harnessed to repair tissue damaged in degenerative skeletal disease. In particular we focus on defining the function of TGFβ in coordinating physical and biochemical cues to regulate skeletal cell differentiation. To answer these questions we combine molecular, cellular, physiologic, and materials science approaches. This interdisciplinary approach will lead to the identification of targets to prevent skeletal disease or to improve skeletal repair.

Primary Thematic Area: 
Tissue / Organ Biology & Endocrinology
Secondary Thematic Area: 
Cancer Biology & Cell Signaling
Research Summary: 
Our research focuses on the molecular pathways controlling mesenchymal stem cell differentiation
Mentorship Development: 

10/20/20    Gathering in Community: a Training for Faculty and Staff
11/10/20    Optimizing the Efficiency of Your Lab
2/18/21    Three Truths and Three Tries: Facing and Overcoming Critical Social Justice Challenges at the Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Levels

Websites

Publications: 

Pharmacologic or genetic interference with atrogene signaling protects from glucocorticoid-induced musculoskeletal and cardiac disease.

JCI insight

Sato AY, Cregor M, McAndrews K, Schurman CA, Schaible E, Shutter J, Vyas P, Adhikari B, Willis MS, Boerma M, Alliston T, Bellido T

Skeletal pathology in mouse models of Gould syndrome is partially alleviated by genetically reducing TGFβ signaling.

Matrix biology : journal of the International Society for Matrix Biology

Labelle-Dumais C, Mazur C, Kaya S, Obata Y, Lee B, Acevedo C, Alliston T, Gould DB

Mass Spectrometry Imaging of the Subchondral Bone in Osteoarthritis Reveals Tissue Remodeling of Extracellular Matrix Proteins that Precede Cartilage Loss.

bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology

Schurman CA, Bons J, Woo JJ, Yee C, Tao N, Alliston T, Angel PM, Schilling B

High-fat and high-carbohydrate diets increase bone fragility through TGF-β-dependent control of osteocyte function.

JCI insight

Dole NS, Betancourt-Torres A, Kaya S, Obata Y, Schurman CA, Yoon J, Yee CS, Khanal V, Luna CA, Carroll M, Salinas JJ, Miclau E, Acevedo C, Alliston T