I obtained my PhD in Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine in 2012 from University of Southern Denmark. My research is related to investigating role of novel regulators of skeletal stem cell fate specification and understanding the pathophysiology of bone loss and disturbed bone marrow homeostasis in different contexts such as aging, inflammation, cancer, and obesity.
One of the ongoing research projects is related to understanding role of legumain in regulation of bone and fat formation. Legumain is a lysosomal cysteine protease involved in diverse biological processes. We have shown that legumain is highly expressed in the bone microenvironment and inhibits osteoblast differentiation and enhances adipocyte differentiation of human skeletal stem cells through regulation of the ECM protein fibronectin. We are now investigating whether genetic and pharmacological targeting of legumain can rescue the disturbed bone and bone marrow homeostasis in mouse models of postmenopausal osteoporosis and obesity.
Favorite dish: Sea food, Best sport skill: Swimming