Inflammatory Bone Loss Focus of NIH-Supported Research in Pediatric Orthopaedics August 2009 A four-year, $1.8 million grant project supported by the National Institutes of Health is targeting biomolecular pathways that induce inflammatory bone loss in response to biomaterials. The research is led by Francis Y. Lee, MD, PhD, Chief of Tumor and Bone Disease, Division of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, who has been awarded his second R01 research grant by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. It is hoped that Dr. Lee’s research will lead to the development of effective and safe treatments for inflammatory bone loss due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and orthopaedic and periodontal implants. Dr. Lee is also investigating the molecular mechanisms behind sarcoma bone destruction and chemoresistance. “This R01 research grant is a rare opportunity for an orthopaedic surgeon,” notes Dr. Lee, who is also Vice Chairman of Research in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia. “My research is translational or transformative, seeking to bridge basic science and patient care. I have a particular interest on the role of inflammatory pathways in bone destruction and bone tumors.” Inflammation is a common channel for bone loss and also in the development of cancer. The long range goal of Dr. Lee’s research is to prevent bone loss by targeting these molecular pathways. “I believe that by understanding the inflammatory pathways involved in orthopaedic conditions, we can enhance the quality of the bone and prevent pathological fractures or osteoporosis,” says Dr. Lee. “These pathways turn out to be very important in bone cancers as well. Understanding how they are activated in bone tumors will also provide new information to help us treat cancers.” An Advocate for Research Long an advocate for medical research, Dr. Lee joined nearly 70 orthopaedic surgeons, researchers, and patients this past spring at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2009 annual Research Capitol Hill Days in Washington, D.C. The Research Capitol Hill Days event serves to raise awareness of the chronic, debilitating, and costly musculoskeletal diseases and disorders afflicting our nation and as a platform to request continued support for musculoskeletal research. “During the Research Capitol Hill Days, I had the opportunity to visit with representatives from New York and New Jersey to help educate them about the impact of musculoskeletal conditions and the need for greater research,” says Dr. Lee. As a clinician-scientist, Dr. Lee maintains an active clinical practice in pediatric orthopaedic surgery, providing expertise in spine deformity, complex developmental disorders, musculoskeletal tumors, and bone disease, while also working on basic and translational research initiatives. In addition to his work on biomolecular pathways, he is also studying bone regeneration, tissue engineering, and mechanical loading on bone cells. Says Dr. Lee, “it is imperative for clinician-scientists not only to continue seeing patients, but to identify important research issues related to improving patient care, and to conduct research projects that are funded by peer-reviewed grant funding agencies.” Dr. Lee received his medical degree at Seoul National University College of Medicine, followed by an internship at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where he also completed a residency in Orthopaedic Surgery. After completing a Musculoskeletal Tumor Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital, and a Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Fellowship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, he joined the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center. Dr. Lee is the recipient of numerous honors including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons/Orthopaedic Research Education and Foundation Clinician Scientist Traveling Fellowship Award. He is a member of the Research Development Committee of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and is a member of the Program Committee for the Orthopedic Research Society. He serves as both a researcher and mentor to postdoctoral fellows, residents and students, and has authored or co-authored more than 45 peer-reviewed publications. In June, Dr. Lee was appointed to tenure track—one of the few clinicians to receive this status at Columbia University—in recognition of his outstanding research and significant support received by NIH, education foundation grants, and other research grants. Faculty Contributing to this Article:
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