معرفی
Ryan Ross, PhD is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology at Rush Medical College, Rush University. He also holds secondary appointments in the Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity and the Department of Orthopedic Surgery. Dr. Ross leads an active research laboratory focused on skeletal biology, with particular emphasis on bone mineralization processes and the impact of HIV and antiretroviral therapies on bone health.
Dr. Ross's research program investigates several key areas including skeletal mineralization as the final step in bone formation, the role of sclerostin in phosphate homeostasis in X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), mechanisms behind atypical femoral fractures associated with long-term bisphosphonate use, and the skeletal effects of HIV and antiretroviral therapies. His work examines how HIV viral factors and antiretrovirals affect bone development and quality, with recent focus on perinatal exposure to antiretrovirals and bone development in infants. Dr. Ross employs a comprehensive suite of techniques including micro-computed tomography, mechanical testing, histomorphometry, and various biochemical analyses.
Analysis of Dr. Ross's recent publications (2022-2024) reveals a strong focus on the intersection of bone biology with HIV research, aging, and neurological conditions. His work increasingly explores the bone-brain axis, examining connections between bone mineral density and cognitive function, particularly in populations living with HIV. The majority of his recent publications involve collaborative research with institutions worldwide, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of his work which spans orthopedics, infectious disease, gerontology, and molecular biology.
Dr. Ross currently mentors several graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in his laboratory, including Delia Alkhatib, Stacey Cahoon, Itzel Lazcano, Niyati Patel, Pankaj Shitole, and Abhayavarshini Sridhar. His former trainees include Kyle Anderson, Kelsey Carpenter, and Arnold Z. Olali, who have gone on to postdoctoral positions at institutions like the Van Andel Institute and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Dr. Ross's laboratory is supported by multiple NIH grants including R01AR080740 (as Co-Investigator), R01AR081151 (as Principal Investigator), U01HL146245 (as Non-contract PI), and R03HD113500 (as Principal Investigator). These grants support research on osteocalcin's skeletal and non-skeletal roles, bone and fat crosstalk in HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy, the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study, and long-term metabolic complications of in-utero antiretroviral exposure.
