This month PHI is welcoming several new researchers who will bring new expertise in bone development and bone cancer.

PHI Director, Associate Professor Matthew Gillespie will lead eight researchers formerly working at St Vincent’s Institute in Melbourne. The goal of the Bone, Joint and Cancer Group at PHI is to understand the processes of bone growth in order to develop new strategies to combat bone disease.

Bone is a surprisingly dynamic tissue, which is constantly being broken down and rebuilt. Changes in the balance between bone growth and destruction can lead to disabling diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis and periodontal decay. When cancer spreads from other areas of the body to bone it can also tip this delicate balance.

Dr Vicky Kartsogiannis, Senior Research Officer in the new group, has been studying bone growth for over ten years. She says that “common therapies are focused on stopping the destruction of bone which prevents bone loss, whilst we are actively investigating new ways to encourage bone growth”. The team will expand in June when further researchers transfer to PHI.

For more information contact Ian Muchamore, Science Communications

Tel : (03) 9594 4049 or 0415 551 705

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