Hubmacher Laboratory

Welcome to the laboratory of Dirk Hubmacher located in the Orthopaedic Research Laboratories at the Mount Sinai Health System!

Our research focuses on the role of the extracellular matrix, the “glue” that holds the cells together, in the formation and function of musculoskeletal tissues. We study mechanistic and molecular aspects of protein networks comprised of fibrillin microfibrils, ADAMTS proteases and ADAMTS-like proteins and their roles in musculoskeletal development. Human mutations in components of these networks cause acromelic dysplasia, a group of rare disorders characterized by severe short stature, short hands and feet, stiff joints, and a pseudomuscular built. We have generated mouse models of these disorders and uses cell-based assays and biochemical and biophysical approaches to dissect hierarchical protein-protein interactions in the extracellular matrix and to determine responses of tissue-resident cells to faulty extracellular matrices deposited in disease conditions. The ultimate goal of these studies is to harness the knowledge of these mechanisms to guide tissue repair processes after injury and to contribute towards the identification of novel tissue engineering approaches.

 

Contact:
Dirk Hubmacher, PhD
Assistant Professor
Leni and Peter W. May Department of Orthopaedics
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Email: dirk.hubmacher@mssm.edu
Research Gate

Annenberg Building
1468 Madison Avenue
20th floor, Office Room 80B
New York, NY 10029
Phone: 212-241-1625