Diseases of low bone mineral density resulted in over 477,000 deaths in 2020, with deaths disproportionately occurring in low socio-demographic-index countries. Most existing therapeutic approaches for low bone mineral density focus on blocking bone absorption, motivating the need for identification of new therapeutic targets to promote bone formation. Jade Minzlaff is investigating the molecular mechanisms by which a phosphate transporter protein influences osteogenesis and skeletal system development, using spatial transcriptomics and in-vitro cell culture systems. She is currently working on developing a cell culture model for CXCL12-abundant reticular cells in bone.
