Steven N. Popoff

Steven N. Popoff, Ph.D., is a Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology at Temple University's Lewis Katz School of Medicine. He also holds a professorship in Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. Dr. Popoff is a bone cell biologist with extensive training and experience in cellular and molecular approaches applied to the study of mineralized tissues.

Dr. Popoff's research focuses on the regulation of skeletal development and the pathogenesis of various metabolic bone diseases including congenital osteopetrosis, inflammation-mediated osteopenia (such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and periodontal disease), and estrogen-deficient osteoporosis. His laboratory utilizes various animal models of congenital or induced bone diseases that influence the development or maintenance of skeletal tissues. Recent work has identified a novel regulator of osteoclast function that plays an important role in mediating bone loss associated with chronic inflammatory conditions. His lab is also working on cloning and functional characterization of two novel genes, connective tissue growth factor and osteoactivin, which appear to play important roles in osteogenesis during skeletal development, skeletal remodeling, and fracture repair.

Analysis of Dr. Popoff's publication record shows consistent research in bone biology, with recent emphasis on connective tissue growth factors, Dupuytren disease, and the relationship between occupational activities and bone health. His 2023-2025 publications demonstrate active research in therapeutic targets for fibrosis and bone loss conditions.

Dr. Popoff's educational background includes a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (sponsored by Sandy C. Marks, Jr.), a Ph.D. in Cell Biology/Anatomy from Loyola University, Stritch School of Medicine (advisor: Gary B. Schneider), and a B.S. in Biology from Loyola University.

His work has significant clinical relevance, as bone diseases represent a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, with osteoporosis alone implicated in more than 1.5 million fractures annually in the United States, costing $7-10 billion in healthcare expenses. Dr. Popoff's research aims to develop novel therapeutic strategies to either block excessive bone resorption or stimulate bone formation in specific bone diseases.