Fred Berry

Biography

My research involves the analysis of transcriptional regulatory networks that control cell differentiation events the control the formation of skeletal structures and how dysregulation of these networks cause developmental malformations. In particular, I am interested in the roles of forkhead box transcription factors FOXC1 and FOXC2 in chondrocyte and osteoblast differentiation. Development of the skeleton can proceed via two distinct mechanisms: endochondral and intramembranous ossification. Endochondral ossification involves the formation of a cartilaginous template (formed by chondrocytes) that is subsequently replaced by bone-forming osteoblasts. Intramembranous ossification involves the direct formation of bone-forming osteoblasts without a cartilage intermediate. Typically the long bones of the limbs and other components of the appendicular skeletal system arise through endochondral ossification, whereas craniofacial bones arise though intramembranous ossification. FOXC1 and FOXC2 are critical regulators of both endochondral and intramembranous osteogenic development events. We utilize systems biology approaches to monitor differential gene expression in response to FOXC1 and FOXC2 loss of function, as well as using genome-wide analyses of transcription factor binding to identify key regulators of the chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation programmes that are downstream of FOXC1 and FOXC2. Once identified, the genes will be analyzed with respect to their effect on the differentiation of skeletal progenitor cells using molecular and cell biology approaches. Ultimately knowledge from these networks will be applied to the specific differentiation of stem cells into skeletal structures for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering purposes.

Research Interest

Transcriptional regulation of skeletal development.