Alain Moreau

Dr. Alain Moreau is a Full Professor at the University of Montreal, holding dual appointments in the Faculty of Dentistry (Department of Stomatology) and the Faculty of Medicine (Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine). He serves as Vice-Chair of the CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis Advisory Committee and directs the Molecular Genetics of Musculoskeletal Diseases/Malformations Laboratory at CHU Sainte-Justine. His research focuses on the molecular genetics of musculoskeletal conditions affecting both children and adults.

Dr. Moreau's educational background includes:

• PhD in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Montreal (1989-1993)
• MSc in Applied Microbiology, Armand Frappier Institute (1986-1989)
• BSc in Biology, University of Montreal (1983-1986)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Genetics Unit, Shriners Hospital for Children, McGill University (1993-1997)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Protein Engineering Center, University of Liège (1992-1993)

Dr. Moreau's research spans multiple facets of musculoskeletal health, with particular focus on idiopathic scoliosis in adolescents and osteoarthritis in adults. His laboratory investigates molecular pathways including G-protein-coupled receptor signaling, transcription mechanisms, and epigenetic determinants in musculoskeletal diseases. Recent work has expanded to include studies on myalgic encephalomyelitis and long-COVID, examining molecular, genetic, and epigenetic factors. His team has made significant discoveries regarding melatonin signaling pathway dysfunctions in scoliosis and the role of Factor P in disease initiation and progression.

Dr. Moreau's publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to understanding the molecular basis of spinal deformities and bone diseases, with recent emphasis on developing diagnostic tools and therapeutic approaches. His work bridges basic molecular research with clinical applications for early detection and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.

Dr. Moreau's scientific contributions have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards:

• Multiple Roger-Simoneau Prizes in Basic Sciences from the Quebec Scoliosis Society (2000, 2001, 2003)
• Junior Research Fellow 2 from Fonds Recherche Québec en Santé (2001-2005)
• Scoliosis Research Awards from the Yves Cotrel Foundation (2002, 2006, 2008, 2015)
• Harrington Spine Symposium Winner (2005)
• Genesis Prize for Biotechnology of Tomorrow (2008)
• Young Researcher Award in Pediatric Research (2008)
• Medal of the Yves Cotrel Foundation (2012)
• SOSORT Research Paper Award (2020)
• TOP 100 article in Scientific Reports (2021)

As Vice-Chair of the CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis Advisory Committee since 2011, Dr. Moreau has influenced national research priorities in musculoskeletal health. His laboratory has secured significant funding including a major grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research for oral health research and $1.4 million to fund a national network on myalgic encephalomyelitis. He serves as thematic leader of the Biology and Molecular Genetics Axis of the Quebec Scoliosis Network and is an active member of the Bone and Periodontal Research Centre.

Dr. Moreau leads the Viscogliosi Laboratory in Molecular Genetics of Musculoskeletal Diseases at the Azrieli Research Center at CHU Sainte-Justine. His research unit is part of the Oral and Bone Health Research Network (OBHR) and collaborates extensively across disciplines to develop diagnostic technologies, prognostic tools, and novel therapeutic approaches for musculoskeletal conditions.