Rich Schneider Ph.D.

Dr. Schneider's current research program focuses on molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying development of the musculoskeletal system. He and his lab have been employing an avian chimeric transplantation system to exploit the divergent maturation rates and distinct species-specific anatomies of quail and duck. Specifically, his lab has been exchanging mesenchymal stem cells between quail and duck embryos, which challenges resultant chimeras to assimilate donor versus host-specific differences in growth and morphology. Using this approach, his lab has been identifying genes and signaling interactions that regulate the timing of musculoskeletal tissue differentiation, control size and shape, and which ultimately enable cartilage, bone, and muscle to achieve structural and functional integration. A goal of Dr. Schneider's research is to devise molecular-based therapies for inducing repair and regeneration of musculoskeletal tissues affected by congenital defects, disease, and trauma.