Mark Appleford

Mark Appleford, Ph.D., is an active faculty member at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), serving as the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs in the College of Engineering. His research focuses on bone cell interactions with biomaterials and tissue differentiation pathways.

• Protein signaling of mechanotransduction in bone cells
• Bone reconstruction following osteosarcoma and severe trauma
• Angiogenesis applied to tissue engineering strategies
• Mechanical behavior of orthopedic implants and tissue-material hybrids

Appleford's laboratory investigates integrin receptor activity during cell-biomaterial contact, tracking sub-cellular signaling pathways such as stress-activated protein kinases (SAPK), viability markers like P38, and differentiation gene transcription factor RUNX2. The lab has developed advanced techniques to measure cell signaling within 3D scaffolds and employs bioreactor tissue engineering with fluid perfusion chambers to grow bone tissue for up to three months. Research also includes large-scale bone and cartilage reconstruction using natural ceramic scaffolds like calcium phosphate foams, aiming to bridge segmental defects while enabling natural vascularization and tissue replacement.