Michael
Underhill
Professor, Dept of Cellular & Physiological Sciences and SBME
Research Theme:
Cellular & Molecular Engineering,Research Interests:
retinoic acid receptor-mediated signalling in chondrogenesis, skeletal development, transcriptional networks for therapeutic bone and cartilage formation, arthritis, osteoporosis
Biography:
These studies involve extensive use of microarray-based strategies coupled with functioning profiling to delineate the genetic programs underlying chondrogenesis. Similar strategies are also being employed to identify the transcriptional networks operating within the osteogenic program. Knowledge gained from these studies will determine the molecular basis of human congenital skeletal defects and potentially lead to novel therapeutic avenues to promote bone and cartilage formation for the treatment of skeletal diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
RESEARCH EXCELLENCE
We use advanced mouse models and single-cell omics methods to explore MSC biology. Our research is funded by CIHR, Terry Fox Research Institute, Stem Cell Network, and NIH. I direct the SBME sequencing facility, facilitating diverse sample sequencing and driving spatial transcriptomics efforts. I co-founded Mesentech Inc., focusing on bone formation stimulation, and Mesintel Therapeutics Inc., developing therapeutics for cancer and fibrosis treatment.