Harold K. Dunn, MD, Orthopaedic Research Laboratory
The Orthopaedic Research Laboratory (ORL), located in the University of Utah Orthopaedic Center (UOC), specializes in a multidisciplinary biomechanical, computational, and clinical approach to answer questions related to orthopaedic pathology and the outcomes of tissue and joint repair and replacement.
The K.B. Jones lab is dedicated to understanding the biology of sarcomagenesis, or the patterned initiation of cancers in mesenchymal tissues. The lab is directed by and supports Dr. Jones as he provides care to patients of all ages with bone and soft-tissue sarcomas, performing surgery to remove the cancers and reconstruct the limbs or body wall.
Musculoskeletal Research Lab
This laboratory focuses on developing and applying experimental and computational methods, primarily in the area of biomechanics, to address research questions in musculoskeletal science and cardiovascular mechanics. Students learn both experimental and computational techniques in biomechanics to address questions in their desired area of research.
The Movement Analysis Laboratory (MAL) is located at Shriners Hospitals for Children (SHC). The laboratory evaluates pediatric subjects with movement or structural orthopaedic disorders. Patients are referred to the laboratory by SHC or University of Utah physicians. The MAL is also committed to supporting the research of both SHC and U of U physicians.
Officially formed in 1987 (Bone & Joint Research Laboratory) as an inspiration of the University of Utah’s Department of Orthopaedics. Since that time, it has grown into a nationally and internationally recognized research program. The BBRL is part of the Veteran’s Administration and Department of Orthopaedics University of Utah School of Medicine Sponsored Program. Our research team develop and assess implant design, biomaterials and perform various types of histology for implants.
The SKI Lab provides the opportunity for orthopaedic residents, orthopaedic fellows and practicing orthopaedic surgeons to learn and develop new surgical techniques, trial new instrument and implant prototypes and conduct clinically-related research projects. Our mission is to enhance the surgical training experience and proficiency of orthopaedic residents and fellows.
We work to discover and understand the functions of genes underlying the onset and progression of osteoarthritis and other bone and joint diseases. We use a combination of approaches including human genetics, bioinformatics, and model organisms to elucidate the molecular and biological mechanisms that lead to changes in the synovial joint and contribute to the disease phenotype.
Harasymowicz Lab Current Research
The Harasymowicz laboratory focuses on deciphering the role of immune cells in the progression of musculoskeletal diseases, including osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as in the process of aging. We aim to determine the contribution of injury, age, and obesity in regulating immune cell fate in the joints by utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), flow cytometry, transgenic mouse models, and standard molecular biology techniques. Identifying specific macrophage populations and their role in these processes will allow us to develop targeted therapeutics for treating musculoskeletal disorders more precisely.