Associate Researcher, Orthopaedics
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
zerina.balic@mssm.edu
Hometown
Brooklyn, NY
Education
New York University, B.A. in Biology
Research
My research will investigate the role of the ADAMTSL2 protein in maintaining tendon ECM composition and supporting normal skeletal growth. Recessive mutations in ADAMTSL2 cause geleophysic dysplasia (GD), an acromelic dysplasia that is characterized by short stature, short hands and feet, thickened skin, and joint deformities. The goal of this research is to better understand the tendon ECM and its involvement in bone growth and may lead to improved therapies for patients with GD.
Future Plans
I’m interested in using my love of science to promote human health—specific plans are still undecided!
Languages
English, Montenegrin
Other Interests
Biking, Cooking, The Knicks, my dog Harley