Denis Evseenko

Denis Evseenko is a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stem Cell Research, and Regenerative Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He holds the J. Harold and Edna La Briola Chair in Genetic Orthopaedic Research and serves as Director of Skeletal Regeneration and Vice Chair for Research in Orthopaedic Surgery. Trained in both medicine and molecular pharmacology, his research focuses on translational therapies for arthritis and cartilage repair using stem cells and small molecules. Key achievements include identifying evolutionary origins of outer ear structures and developing therapies for joint degeneration.

Awards:

• USC Stevens Technology Advancement Grant (2016)
• Wright Foundation Award (2016)
• Arthritis National Research Foundation James Klinenberg Award (2015)

Research Interests:

Dr. Evseenko pioneers therapies targeting osteoarthritis through stem cell engineering and small molecule interventions. His lab investigates cartilage regeneration mechanisms, inflammatory pathways in joint degeneration, and evolutionary developmental biology. Recent breakthroughs include repurposing gill-related gene programs for ear development and identifying gp130 signaling's role in metabolic inflammation.

Grants & Leadership:

Leads the USC Parris Longevity Accelerator ($10M initiative) focusing on aging biomarkers and regenerative medicine. Oversees translational projects like ex vivo gene therapy for bone defects and anti-inflammatory drug development for metabolic syndrome.

Labs & Teams:

Evseenko Lab at USC studies skeletal regeneration and arthritis therapies. Collaborates with engineering and gerontology experts in the Longevity Accelerator to develop predictive biomarkers and interventions for aging-related diseases.