Travis Mccumber
Director
Department of genetics, cell biology and anatomy
Eppley Institute For Research
United States of America
Biography
Assistant Professor Director, Gross Anatomy Laboratory Director, Advanced Anatomy Laboratory for Research, Education and Clinical Skills UNMC member representative, Nebraska Anatomical Board
Research Interest
Dr. McCumber’s research interests are related to mechanical regulation of bone tissue with specific interest in bone and immune system interactions. Mechanical loading of bone is necessary for maintaining bone structure and strength; however, repetitive loading can lead to fatigue induced microdamage. Tissue damage and the accumulation of microcracks within mineralized bone matrix results in increased bone fragility. Targeted bone remodeling is the localized remodeling and repair of bone tissue microdamage via the coupled interaction of intra-cortical osteoclasts and osteoblasts. The mechanism initiating intra-cortical osteoclasts for the targeted removal of microdamage has yet to be fully described. Ongoing studies are focused on bone and immune cell signaling interactions in relation to targeted bone remodeling and repair of fatigue induced microdamage.
