Joseph Stains

Joseph P. Stains, PhD, is the Robert A. Pascal Professor of Orthopaedics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with a secondary appointment in the Department of Physiology. He serves as Division Head of Musculoskeletal Science and is affiliated with multiple research centers, including the Center for Research on Aging and Center for Stem Cell Biology.

Education:

• B.S., Molecular and Cell Biology, Pennsylvania State University (1994)
• Ph.D., Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University (2000)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Washington University in St. Louis (2001-2004)

Research Focus: The Stains Lab investigates signaling networks and gene transcription in skeletal cells, with emphasis on connexin43-mediated gap junctions and cytoskeletal mechano-signaling pathways. Key work includes defining how microtubules and TRPV4-Ca²⁺-CaMKII pathways regulate sclerostin, a critical protein for bone homeostasis.

Publication Trends: Recent work spans single-cell genomics, mechanotransduction, and bone-osteoclast interactions, with a focus on cytoskeletal proteins, calcium signaling, and novel devices for studying mechanical load responses.

Scientific Recognition:

• Fellow, American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (2020)
• U.S. Patent for Multi-Functional Fluid Flow Device (2017)
• Provisional Patent on Cytoskeleton Targeting for Bone Mass
• PROMISE AGEP Outstanding Faculty Mentor (2015)
• Research Preceptor of the Year (2011)

Grants & Leadership: Continuously funded by NIH, DoD, and Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund. Served on NIH Skeletal Biology Study Section, editorial boards for Journal of Bone and Mineral Research and JBMR Plus, and as course director for GPLS 645: Cell & Systems Physiology since 2014.