Research Projects

The Fritton lab focuses on investigating the effects of mechanical loading on bone and understanding the adaptive response of bone to altered physiological conditions. We have used a combined experimental and computational approach to investigate interstitial fluid flow around osteocytes, which is believed to play a role in the mechanism by which bone tissue detects external mechanical stimuli and deposits or resorbs bone as needed. The lab has developed techniques to delineate the interstitial fluid pathways in bone, and we have also created analytical models to assess bone permeability. A major thrust of the current research effort is to understand how bone mechanotransduction is altered in postmenopausal and disuse osteoporosis.

Investigating the effects of estrogen deficiency on bone mechanotransduction

Investigating the effects of estrogen deficiency on bone mechanotransduction The lab has used a rat model of postmenopausal osteoporosis to investigate the effects of reduced estrogen levels on mechanical load-induced interstitial fluid flow.  Over ...

Investigating the effects of reduced muscle activity on bone mechanotransduction

Investigating the effects of reduced muscle activity on bone mechanotransduction We are using techniques developed in the lab to investigate how muscle paralysis affects bone mechanotransduction.  Using a rat disuse osteoporosis model (Botox injection ...

Investigating the use of mechanical loading to enhance drug delivery to bone tumors

Investigating the use of mechanical loading to enhance drug delivery to bone tumors We are applying techniques developed in the lab to the field of cancer drug delivery in a project with collaborators at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.  We ...