Irving M. Shapiro

Irving M. Shapiro serves as the Anthony F. and Gertrude M. DePalma Professor in Orthopaedic Research and Director of the Connective Tissue & Regenerative Medicine Training Program within the College of Life Sciences.

His educational background includes:

• PhD in Biochemistry from the University of London (1969)
• BDS, LDSRCS (Eng) (1964)

Dr. Shapiro's research centers on three interconnected domains: the molecular regulation of bone growth plate activity through oxygen-sensitive HIF transcription factors, tissue engineering approaches for intervertebral disc regeneration using disc progenitor cells, and development of infection-resistant bioactive implants for bone repair. His work integrates autophagy mechanisms, chondrocyte mineralization pathways, and stem cell differentiation strategies to address orthopedic challenges in skeletal development and degeneration.

His expertise spans apoptosis, biomineralization, matrix vesicles, nucleus pulposus biology, and surgical applications of regenerative medicine, with emphasis on translating basic science discoveries into clinical solutions for conditions like degenerative disc disease and bone infections.