Fanxin Long

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Fanxin Long, PhD

Investigator

Bone disorders exact a considerable toll on human health in both children and adults. Dr. Long seeks to understand the fundamental mechanisms underlying both normal skeletal development and the pathophysiology of bone diseases. His current research includes studies of skeletal stem cells and progenitors, metabolic regulation of bone cells, and the integration of bone and whole-body metabolism.

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Bio

Since the early days of his scientific training, Dr. Long has been interested in understanding how the mammalian skeleton is formed and maintained in a functional state throughout life. Many of his studies have revolved around key developmental pathways such as Hedgehog, Wnt and Notch signaling in bone development and homeostasis. Through mouse genetic studies, his group has defined specific functions of the developmental signals in bone cell differentiation. Their biochemical studies have led to the discovery that developmental signals reprogram cellular metabolism to change cell fate. The lab currently tests the hypothesis that dysregulation of glucose metabolism is a root cause for skeletal disorders associated with diabetes and aging.