Skeletal Biology & Disease

Genetic and acquired disorders of the skeleton involving bone, cartilage and joints are a major health problem.  We aim to understand the causes of these disorders by unravelling the key genetic and biological mechanisms of skeletal disease and development.  Our research underpins the development of new diagnostic tests and better treatments such as tissue engineering; to ultimately improve the quality of life of children affected by these debilitating conditions.

Research overview

Formation of the human skeleton and the proper functioning of the bone and cartilaginous elements are determined by complex interactions of extracellular, cell surface and intracellular regulatory molecules.  The extracellular matrix is an intricate network providing a structural scaffolding and regulatory signals for growth and development.  A major component of our research is directed at understanding the synthesis, regulation, structure and function of these complex matrices in development and in inherited and acquired diseases of bone and cartilage.  Our studies over many years have defined mutations leading to osteogenesis imperfecta and a range of inherited cartilage diseases (chondrodysplasias).  These studies have explored protein structure, assembly and interactions to provide an important platform for the development of new therapeutic approaches and biomaterial development for tissue repair and regeneration.  Our current research program continues to explore the functional genomics of skeletal disease.  In addition, we are using comprehensive proteomic and RNA expression profiling approaches for the study of cartilage and bone development and degenerative joint disease.  Other studies are directed at examining the mechanisms of how cells monitor and respond to the production of mutant RNA and protein, processes that are critical to the clinical outcome of all genetic diseases. 

Professor John Bateman Skeletal Biology and Disease Murdoch Children's Research Institute 3rd Floor Main Building Royal Children's Hospital Flemington Road Parkville Victoria 3052 Australia

T   +61 3 8341 6422 (Bateman)      +61 3 9345 6601/2 (Labratory)      +61 3 8341 6423 (Shirley D'Cruz - PA to Professor Bateman)

F   +61 3 8341 6429

E   john.bateman@mcri.edu.au       shirley.dcruz@mcri.edu.au