Steven Tommasini, PhD
Research Scientist
Research & Publications
Biography
News
Locations
Research Summary
The relationship between bone quality, metabolism, and mechanosensitivity, especially how changes in metabolism (as a result of diet, age, drug treatment, or estrogen withdrawal) alter the morphology of the osteocyte lacunar-canalicular network potentially affecting bone's response to biomechanical stimuli.
Extensive Research Description
My research focuses on understanding the complementary contributions of bone mass, geometry and tissue material properties to whole-bone structural behavior. Specifically, this work assesses bone quality and bone mechanical properties at the tissue and organ level both during homeostasis as well as in response to either catabolic or anabolic stimuli. I am interested in the relationship between bone quality, metabolism, and mechanosensitivity, especially how changes in metabolism (as a result of diet, age, drug treatment, or estrogen withdrawal) alter the morphology of the osteocyte lacunar-canalicular network potentially affecting bone’s response to biomechanical stimuli. A combination of state-of-the-art techniques to assess bone quality such as nanoindentation, Fourier Transform Infrared imaging, synchrotron radiation-based computerized tomography, and finite element modeling are being used to explore the hypothesis that mechanical and biochemical stimuli may cause osteocytes to directly contribute to the modulation of bone quality and quantity by directly remodeling their surrounding environment. Previously, using high resolution computed-tomography, we observed that the number, size, and distribution of microporosities in lamellar bone can be altered by conditions such as estrogen withdrawal and pharmaceutical treatment of osteoporosis in an OVX rat model. Currently, different genetic strains of inbred mice, both with normal phenotype and impaired mineralization are being used to investigate the relationship between mineral ion homeostasis, osteocyte biology, and skeletal adaptation.
Coauthors
Research Interests
Bone and Bones; Metabolism; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Orthopedics; Osteocytes
Selected Publications
- Three-Dimensional Printing of the Patellofemoral Joints of Patellar Instability PatientsBeitler B, Yu K, Wang A, Frumberg D, Tommasini S, Wiznia D, Cooperman D, Lattanza L, Fulkerson J. Three-Dimensional Printing of the Patellofemoral Joints of Patellar Instability Patients Arthroscopy Techniques 2023, 12: e401-e406. DOI: 10.1016/j.eats.2022.11.023.
- Lead induced differences in bone properties in osteocalcin +/+ and −/− female miceYildirim G, Budell W, Berezovska O, Yagerman S, Maliath S, Mastrokostas P, Tommasini S, Dowd T. Lead induced differences in bone properties in osteocalcin +/+ and −/− female mice Bone Reports 2023, 101672. DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2023.101672.
- Hip abduction can be considered the sole posterior precaution strategy to lower the rate of impingement after posterior approach total hip arthroplasty with large femoral head: a computer simulation study.Pour A, Tung W, Donnelley C, Tommasini S, Wiznia D. Hip abduction can be considered the sole posterior precaution strategy to lower the rate of impingement after posterior approach total hip arthroplasty with large femoral head: a computer simulation study. The Journal Of Arthroplasty 2023 PMID: 36709882, DOI: 10.1016/j.arth.2023.01.027.
- How metal augments, polyethylene thickness and stem length affect tibial baseplate load transfer in revision total knee arthroplastyLaMonica J, Pham N, Milligan K, Tommasini S, Schwarzkopf R, Parisi R, Wiznia D. How metal augments, polyethylene thickness and stem length affect tibial baseplate load transfer in revision total knee arthroplasty The Knee 2022, 40: 283-291. PMID: 36529046, DOI: 10.1016/j.knee.2022.11.021.
- Finite Element Evaluation of the Femoral Neck System as Prophylactic Fixation to Prevent Contralateral Hip FracturesLaMonica J, Rhee B, Milligan K, Leslie M, Tommasini S, Wiznia D. Finite Element Evaluation of the Femoral Neck System as Prophylactic Fixation to Prevent Contralateral Hip Fractures Geriatric Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation 2022, 13: 21514593221135117. PMID: 36393901, PMCID: PMC9661561, DOI: 10.1177/21514593221135117.
- Simulating Prophylactic Fixation Methods for Osteoporotic Femoral Neck Fracture PreventionRoytman G, Ramji A, Beitler B, Yoo B, Leslie M, Baumgaertner M, Tommasini S, Wiznia D. Simulating Prophylactic Fixation Methods for Osteoporotic Femoral Neck Fracture Prevention Geriatric Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation 2022, 13: 21514593221141376. PMID: 36533207, PMCID: PMC9747871, DOI: 10.1177/21514593221141376.
- Enpp1 enzyme replacement restores bone mass in murine model of Enpp1 associated osteoporosisBraddock D, Kavanagh D, Oheim R, Zimmerman K, Kroge S, Stabach P, Tommasini S, Levine M, Carpenter T, Horowitz M. Enpp1 enzyme replacement restores bone mass in murine model of Enpp1 associated osteoporosis Bone Reports 2020, 13: 100623. DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2020.100623.
- ENPP1 regulates bone mass via an unidentified catalytically independent mechanismBraddock D, Zimmerman K, Oheim R, Kroge S, Stabach P, Kavanagh D, Tommasini S, Carpenter T. ENPP1 regulates bone mass via an unidentified catalytically independent mechanism Bone Reports 2020, 13: 100692. DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2020.100692.
- Correlative vibrational spectroscopy and 2D X‐ray diffraction to probe the mineralization of bone in phosphate‐deficient miceKing HE, Tommasini SM, Rodriguez-Navarro AB, Mercado BQ, Skinner HCW. Correlative vibrational spectroscopy and 2D X‐ray diffraction to probe the mineralization of bone in phosphate‐deficient mice Journal Of Applied Crystallography 2019, 52: 960-971. PMID: 31636517, PMCID: PMC6782074, DOI: 10.1107/s1600576719009361.
- High dose vitamin D supplementation does not rescue bone loss following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in female ratsNiu A, Carpenter TO, Grams JM, Bozorgmehri S, Tommasini SM, Schafer AL, Canales BK. High dose vitamin D supplementation does not rescue bone loss following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in female rats Bone 2019, 127: 172-180. PMID: 31226531, PMCID: PMC6708762, DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2019.06.015.
- Vibrational spectroscopic analysis of hydroxyapatite in HYP mice and individuals with X-linked hypophosphatemiaAmenta E, King HE, Petermann H, Uskoković V, Tommasini SM, Macica CM. Vibrational spectroscopic analysis of hydroxyapatite in HYP mice and individuals with X-linked hypophosphatemia Therapeutic Advances In Chronic Disease 2018, 9: 268-281. PMID: 30719271, PMCID: PMC6348532, DOI: 10.1177/2040622318804753.
- Fat and Bone: PGC-1α Regulates Mesenchymal Cell Fate during Aging and OsteoporosisHorowitz MC, Tommasini SM. Fat and Bone: PGC-1α Regulates Mesenchymal Cell Fate during Aging and Osteoporosis Cell Stem Cell 2018, 23: 151-153. PMID: 30075123, DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2018.07.010.
- Human Amniotic Membrane Improves Healing in a Chronic, Massive Rotator Cuff Repair ModelKovacevic D, Suriani R, Saad M, Tommasini S, Mendias C, Carroll C, Blaine T. Human Amniotic Membrane Improves Healing in a Chronic, Massive Rotator Cuff Repair Model Orthopaedic Journal Of Sports Medicine 2018, 6: 2325967118s00167. PMCID: PMC6102762, DOI: 10.1177/2325967118s00167.
- Ibuprofen impairs capsulolabral healing in a rat model of anterior glenohumeral instabilityPacker JD, Varthi AG, Zhu DS, Javier FG, Young JD, Garver JV, Henry H, Tommasini SM, Blaine TA. Ibuprofen impairs capsulolabral healing in a rat model of anterior glenohumeral instability Journal Of Shoulder And Elbow Surgery 2017, 27: 315-324. PMID: 29195899, DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2017.09.027.
- Integrating GWAS and Co-expression Network Data Identifies Bone Mineral Density Genes SPTBN1 and MARK3 and an Osteoblast Functional ModuleCalabrese GM, Mesner LD, Stains JP, Tommasini SM, Horowitz MC, Rosen CJ, Farber CR. Integrating GWAS and Co-expression Network Data Identifies Bone Mineral Density Genes SPTBN1 and MARK3 and an Osteoblast Functional Module Cell Systems 2016, 4: 46-59.e4. PMID: 27866947, PMCID: PMC5269473, DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2016.10.014.
- Paper #1 Ibuprofen impairs capsulolabral healing in a rat model of anterior glenohumeral instabilityPacker J, Varthi A, Zhu D, Javier F, Garver J, Tommasini S, Blaine T. Paper #1 Ibuprofen impairs capsulolabral healing in a rat model of anterior glenohumeral instability Journal Of Shoulder And Elbow Surgery 2016, 25: e315. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2016.07.035.
- Novel anatomic adaptation of cortical bone to meet increased mineral demands of reproductionMacica CM, King HE, Wang M, McEachon CL, Skinner CW, Tommasini SM. Novel anatomic adaptation of cortical bone to meet increased mineral demands of reproduction Bone 2016, 85: 59-69. PMID: 26825813, PMCID: PMC7429445, DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2015.12.056.
- Deletion of Rac in Mature Osteoclasts Causes Osteopetrosis, an Age‐Dependent Change in Osteoclast Number, and a Reduced Number of Osteoblasts In VivoZhu M, Sun B, Saar K, Simpson C, Troiano N, Dallas SL, Tiede-Lewis L, Nevius E, Pereira JP, Weinstein RS, Tommasini SM, Insogna KL. Deletion of Rac in Mature Osteoclasts Causes Osteopetrosis, an Age‐Dependent Change in Osteoclast Number, and a Reduced Number of Osteoblasts In Vivo Journal Of Bone And Mineral Research 2015, 31: 864-873. PMID: 26496249, PMCID: PMC4826801, DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.2733.
- Periosteal PTHrP Regulates Cortical Bone Remodeling During Fracture HealingWang M, Nasiri AR, Broadus AE, Tommasini SM. Periosteal PTHrP Regulates Cortical Bone Remodeling During Fracture Healing Bone 2015, 81: 104-111. PMID: 26164475, PMCID: PMC4641003, DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2015.07.008.
- Periosteal PTHrP regulates cortical bone modeling during linear growth in miceWang M, VanHouten JN, Nasiri AR, Tommasini SM, Broadus AE. Periosteal PTHrP regulates cortical bone modeling during linear growth in mice Journal Of Anatomy 2014, 225: 71-82. PMID: 24762197, PMCID: PMC4073294, DOI: 10.1111/joa.12184.
- The Transcription Factor T-box 3 Regulates Colony-stimulating Factor 1-dependent Jun Dimerization Protein 2 Expression and Plays an Important Role in Osteoclastogenesis*Yao C, Yao GQ, Sun BH, Zhang C, Tommasini SM, Insogna K. The Transcription Factor T-box 3 Regulates Colony-stimulating Factor 1-dependent Jun Dimerization Protein 2 Expression and Plays an Important Role in Osteoclastogenesis* Journal Of Biological Chemistry 2014, 289: 6775-6790. PMID: 24394418, PMCID: PMC3945339, DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.499210.
- The remarkable migration of the medial collateral ligamentWang M, Nasiri A, VanHouten JN, Tommasini SM, Broadus AE. The remarkable migration of the medial collateral ligament Journal Of Anatomy 2013, 224: 490-498. PMID: 24266550, PMCID: PMC3954274, DOI: 10.1111/joa.12145.
- Genetic variations and physical activity as determinants of limb bone morphology: An experimental approach using a mouse modelWallace IJ, Tommasini SM, Judex S, Garland T, Demes B. Genetic variations and physical activity as determinants of limb bone morphology: An experimental approach using a mouse model American Journal Of Biological Anthropology 2012, 148: 24-35. PMID: 22331623, DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.22028.
- Changes in intracortical microporosities induced by pharmaceutical treatment of osteoporosis as detected by high resolution micro-CTTommasini SM, Trinward A, Acerbo AS, De Carlo F, Miller LM, Judex S. Changes in intracortical microporosities induced by pharmaceutical treatment of osteoporosis as detected by high resolution micro-CT Bone 2011, 50: 596-604. PMID: 22226688, PMCID: PMC3278519, DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2011.12.012.
- Phenotypic Integration Among Trabecular and Cortical Bone Traits Establishes Mechanical Functionality of Inbred Mouse VertebraeTommasini SM, Hu B, Nadeau JH, Jepsen KJ. Phenotypic Integration Among Trabecular and Cortical Bone Traits Establishes Mechanical Functionality of Inbred Mouse Vertebrae Journal Of Bone And Mineral Research 2008, 24: 606-620. PMID: 19063678, PMCID: PMC2659510, DOI: 10.1359/jbmr.081224.
- Phenotypic integration of skeletal traits during growth buffers genetic variants affecting the slenderness of femora in inbred mouse strainsJepsen KJ, Hu B, Tommasini SM, Courtland HW, Price C, Cordova M, Nadeau JH. Phenotypic integration of skeletal traits during growth buffers genetic variants affecting the slenderness of femora in inbred mouse strains Mammalian Genome 2008, 20: 21. PMID: 19082857, PMCID: PMC2650248, DOI: 10.1007/s00335-008-9158-1.
- Micro-CT and the Mouse Skeleton: A Detailed LookTommasini S, Price C. Micro-CT and the Mouse Skeleton: A Detailed Look Journal Of Mammalian Evolution 2008, 16: 143-144. DOI: 10.1007/s10914-008-9096-4.
- Thrombospondins influence endocortical bone mass by regulating the pool of available marrow osteoprogenitorsHankenson K, Shitaye H, Tommasini S, Wang M, Jepsen K. Thrombospondins influence endocortical bone mass by regulating the pool of available marrow osteoprogenitors Bone 2008, 42: s23. DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2007.12.024.
- Percolation theory relates corticocancellous architecture to mechanical function in vertebrae of inbred mouse strainsTommasini SM, Wearne SL, Hof PR, Jepsen KJ. Percolation theory relates corticocancellous architecture to mechanical function in vertebrae of inbred mouse strains Bone 2007, 42: 743-750. PMID: 18258502, PMCID: PMC2650241, DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2007.12.009.
- Biological Co‐Adaptation of Morphological and Composition Traits Contributes to Mechanical Functionality and Skeletal FragilityTommasini SM, Nasser P, Hu B, Jepsen KJ. Biological Co‐Adaptation of Morphological and Composition Traits Contributes to Mechanical Functionality and Skeletal Fragility Journal Of Bone And Mineral Research 2007, 23: 236-246. PMID: 17922614, PMCID: PMC2665697, DOI: 10.1359/jbmr.071014.
- Genetic randomization reveals functional relationships among morphologic and tissue-quality traits that contribute to bone strength and fragilityJepsen KJ, Hu B, Tommasini SM, Courtland HW, Price C, Terranova CJ, Nadeau JH. Genetic randomization reveals functional relationships among morphologic and tissue-quality traits that contribute to bone strength and fragility Mammalian Genome 2007, 18: 492-507. PMID: 17557179, PMCID: PMC1998883, DOI: 10.1007/s00335-007-9017-5.
- Path analysis using data derived from genetically randomized inbred mouse strains reveals biological controls affecting bone growth and adult fragilityJepsen K, Hu B, Tommasini S, Courtland H, Price C, Terranova C, Nadeau J. Path analysis using data derived from genetically randomized inbred mouse strains reveals biological controls affecting bone growth and adult fragility Bone 2007, 40: s53. DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2007.04.064.
- Sexual dimorphism affects tibia size and shape but not tissue-level mechanical propertiesTommasini SM, Nasser P, Jepsen KJ. Sexual dimorphism affects tibia size and shape but not tissue-level mechanical properties Bone 2006, 40: 498-505. PMID: 17035111, DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2006.08.012.
- Relationship Between Bone Morphology and Bone Quality in Male Tibias: Implications for Stress Fracture RiskTommasini SM, Nasser P, Schaffler MB, Jepsen KJ. Relationship Between Bone Morphology and Bone Quality in Male Tibias: Implications for Stress Fracture Risk Journal Of Bone And Mineral Research 2005, 20: 1372-1380. PMID: 16007335, DOI: 10.1359/jbmr.050326.
- Genetic Variation in Structure‐Function Relationships for the Inbred Mouse Lumbar Vertebral BodyTommasini SM, Morgan TG, van der Meulen MCh, Jepsen KJ. Genetic Variation in Structure‐Function Relationships for the Inbred Mouse Lumbar Vertebral Body Journal Of Bone And Mineral Research 2004, 20: 817-827. PMID: 15824855, DOI: 10.1359/jbmr.041234.