Joseph P. Bidwell, PhD

The Bidwell laboratory has an active program in elucidating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie the skeleton’s response to anabolic stimuli, including parathyroid hormone (PTH), a potent osteoanabolic used to treat osteoporosis.  A current primary focus of the laboratory is the identification of the mechanisms responsible for limiting PTH clinical efficacy or its anabolic window.  Multiple approaches are brought to bear on this problem including the use of genetically modified mice, primary cell culture of mesenchymal stem cells, osteoprogenitors, and mature osteoblasts.  Skeletal phenotypes are analyzed using DXA, uCT, and bone histomorphometry. The molecular methodologies utilized for identifying signal transduction, transcription, and translation pathways activated during the closing of the anabolic window include ChIP-seq, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, immunoprecipitations, mass spectrometry, and cell transfection/immortalization.  Students participating in the Bidwell lab are trained to identify and develop an original and significant research question/hypothesis related to the overarching program.