Huang Lab
Principal Investigator
The Huang Lab is a member of the Carroll Laboratories located on the 14th floor of the William Black Building at Columbia University Medical Center. Our research focuses on the molecular and mechanical regulation of musculoskeletal tissue healing and regeneration, with particular focus on tendon/ligament and the annulus fibrosis of the intervertebral disc. The approach we take in the lab combines genetic mouse models with in vitro tissue engineering platforms and directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells to identify novel cell and molecular mechanisms that distinguish tissue regeneration from fibrotic scar formation.
Projects
- Identifying Signaling Pathways Driving Tendon Regeneration and Scar Formation
- Immune Regulation of Tendon Regeneration
- Derivation of Tendon and Fibrocartilage Cells from Pluripotent Stem Cells
- Mechanobiology of Tendon Development
News
- Congratulations to Alex and co-authors on their new paper “Tendon progenitors cells as biological augmentation improve functional gait and reduce scar formation after rotator cuff repair” accepted for publication in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery! This project tested whether progenitor cells from neonatal tendons could enhance adult tendon to bone healing. Surprisingly, while cells demonstrated minimal engraftment, functional gait was improved suggesting potential paracrine effects.
- Congratulations to Alice and team for their new R21 grant “Mechanobiology of tendon development, growth, and maturation” funded by NIH/NIAMS! This two year project will focus on the role of muscle forces during embryonic and postnatal tendon development and test the role of Yap/Taz in tendon mechanotransduction.
- Congratulations to Angela Montero for winning a best podium award at the ORS Tendon Section Meeting hosted by the University of Pennsylvania (May 5-7, 2022)! Angela presented her research on “Pirfenidone improves tendon healing by countering maturation induced tendon change via a complex interaction with TGFB and IL1.”
Lab Members
Angela Montero
- Lab Manager
Research Interests: directed differentiation of pluripotent stem cells towards a tendon fate and factors that cause tendons to lose regenerative potential with maturation. Angela received her bachelor's in Biochemistry from Barnard College. In her free time, she enjoys running in Central Park and finding the best place for a cup of tea in the city.
Giulia Crosio
- PhD Graduate Student
Research Interests: inflammatory cells involved in tendon regeneration and healing in mice. Giulia received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Fairfield University with a minor in Health Studies, Research Distinction, and with both Biology and Health Studies Awards for Academic Excellence (2020). Currently, Giulia is pursuing her PhD in Biomedical Science from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, with a concentration in Development, Regeneration and Stem Cell biology. In her free time, Giulia enjoys exploring new food in NYC, hiking, going to the gym, playing tennis, enjoying music, crocheting and binge watching Netflix.
