Joseph Lorenzo, MD

The influence of hormones and cytokines on both bone resorption, which is mediated by osteoclasts, and bone formation, which is mediated by osteoblasts. The nature and regulation of osteoclast precursor cells in health and disease. The influence of the immune system on bone remodeling. Dr. Lorenzo’s laboratory is actively involved in research that is designed to identify the surface markers of cells that differentiate into osteoclasts in vitro and in vivo. The goal of these studies is to characterize the cells that form osteoclasts and determine if there are different between them in normal and pathologic conditions. It is hoped that this research will lead to the development of targeted therapies that selectively inhibit pathologic osteoclast formation without affecting normal bone turnover. The role of hormones in the regulation of serum sclerostin. The role of hormones in the regulation of osteoclast precursor cells.

[2025] Proteoglycan-4 (PRG4) serum concentration is lower in aged mice, and genetic deficiency impacts survival probability, blood parameters, and bone during aging. [2023] PRG4 deficiency in mice alters skeletal structure, mechanics, and calvarial osteoclastogenesis, and rhPRG4 inhibits in vitro osteoclastogenesis.