What We Do

The Ornitz laboratory studies the in vivo functions of Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGFs) and their interactions with other signaling pathways. We use engineered mouse models and organ/cell culture to study mechanisms of organogenesis. We apply our knowledge of development to understand how growth factors regulate tissue homeostasis, and how reactivation of developmental programs function in tissue regeneration and injury response. We study three primary organ systems: Lung, Cardiovascular system, and Bone.

CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM:  We are investigating cardioprotective and reparative functions of FGF receptor signaling in vascular smooth muscle in a mouse model of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM: We are investigating how FGF signaling pathways regulate postnatal alveologenesis, a process that is critical for maturation of a functional gas exchange organ. Defects in alveologenesis occur in premature birth and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. We also study the mechanisms by which FGFs are protective in lung epithelial repair in response to injury.

PULMONARY HYPERTENSION:  We are investigating how FGF signaling in endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle is protective for hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension, a potentially fatal condition that affects premature infants.

SKELETAL SYSTEM: We are investigating how FGF signaling regulates a signaling center that controls longitudinal bone growth. We are investigating how FGF signaling regulates osteoblast maturation and osteocyte survival and homeostasis during postnatal bone growth and aging.