Description of Research Expertise
The focus of my research program is the pathophysiology and treatment of degenerative and developmental disorders affecting the spine and synovial joints. The scope of our research includes basic mechanistic studies, translational studies in animal models, and clinical studies in human patients. We use cutting edge techniques in molecular biology, biochemistry and bioengineering, coupled with novel in vitro model systems to study disease mechanisms. Our research in the translational space bridges the fields of tissue engineering, biomaterials, drug delivery and stem cells, and is focused on arresting disease progression, restoring spine and joint function and potentiating long term tissue regeneration. We use novel, naturally occurring and inducible large and small animal models to study disease etiology and evaluate therapeutics. Our multidisciplinary team includes biologists, bioengineers, clinicians and veterinarians.
Selected Publications
Zhang C, Zhong L, Lau YK, Wu M, Yao L, Schaer TP, Mauck RL, Malhotra NR, Qin L, Smith LJ: Single Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals Emergent Notochord-Derived Cell Subpopulations in the Postnatal Nucleus Pulposus FASEB Journal 38 (1): e23363,2024.
Arginteanu T, Gallagher RS, Borja AJ, Glauser G, Smith LJ, Pasha S, DeTurck D, Malhotra NR: Quantifying a novel three-dimensional marker of scoliosis Spine Deformity 12 (1): 231-237,2024.
Smith LJ, Rajagopal K, Laslow B, Wang D, Schipani E: In Vivo Regulation of Nucleus Pulposus Cell Differentiation and Extracellular Matrix Elaboration by HIF Prolyl Hydroxylases
70th Annual Meeting, Orthopaedic Research Society, Long Beach, USA : 2024.
Martin JT, Asimakopoulos D, Hornung AL, Toro SJ, Le Maitre CL, Chahine NO, Fields AJ, Gawri R, Giers MB, Smith LJ, Tang SY, Zehra U, Haglund L, Samartzis D: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Productivity and Career Prospects of Musculoskeletal Researchers Journal of Orthopaedic Research : 2024.
Iyer K, Lau YK, Friday CS, Hast MW, Dodge GR, Gawri R, Casal ML, Smith LJ: Evaluation of Tendon and Ligament Microstructure in a Canine Model of Mucopolysaccharidosis I 70th Annual Meeting, Orthopaedic Research Society, Long Beach, USA : 2024.
Rajagopal K, Schaer TP, Meadows KD, Boyes M, Hilliard R, O'Donnell JC, Dodge GR, Petrov D, Elliott DM, Mauck RL, Malhotra NR, Smith LJ: Ex Vivo Optimization and In Vivo Measurement of Nucleus Pulposus Oxygen, Glucose, and Lactate in a Goat Model of Disc Degeneration
70th Annual Meeting, Orthopaedic Research Society, Long Beach, USA : 2024.
Rajagopal K, Schaer TP, Meadows KD, Boyes M, Hilliard R, O'Donnell JC, Dodge GR, Petrov D, Elliott DM, Mauck RL, Malhotra NR, Smith LJ: Alterations in Nucleus Pulposus Oxygen, Glucose and Lactate Concentrations in a Preclinical Goat Model of Disc Degeneration International for the Study of the Lumbar Spine Annual Meeting, Milan, Italy : 2024.
Lau YK, Iyer K, Friday C, Shetye S, Hast ME, Dodge GR, Casal ML, Gawri R, Smith LJ: Evaluation of Tendon and Ligament Microstructure and Mechanical Properties in a Canine Model of Mucopolysaccharidosis I Journal of Orthopaedic Research : 2024.
Maparu AK, Iyer K, Siddiqui Z, Rajagopal K, Kim J, Mauck RL, Mitchell MJ, Smith LJ: A Novel Porous Microcarrier for Extended Release of mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticles for Musculoskeletal Tissue Repair 70th Annual Meeting, Orthopaedic Research Society, Long Beach, USA : 2024.
Smith LJ, Martin JT, Risbud MV: Advancing Basic and Preclinical Spine Research: Highlights from the 6th ORS PSRS International Spine Research Symposium JOR Spine 6 (4): e1308,2023.
Academic Contact Information
McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory
378A Stemmler Hall
3450 Hamilton Walk
Philadelphia,
PA
19104
Phone: 215-746-2169